On the eve of the game between AC Milan and Parma, Massimiliano Allegri spoke to the media at his usual pre-game press conference.
Read SempreMilan ad-free and get access to exclusive news. Click here for a free trial!
Milan only clinched a point in their mid-week clash against Como and as a result, Inter are now seven points ahead. As such, tomorrow’s game against Parma is even more important for the Rossoneri, also for the Champions League race.
Speaking to the media at the usual presser (via MilanNews), Allegri provided an injury update (given the latest concerns) and also previewed the game. The surprising update was that Strahinja Pavlovic will be available despite the big knock taken against Como.
How important is it to put an end to the Como incidents and move forward?
“Very important because the further we go, the more important the games become. There are 13 games left, so there are 39 points up for grabs. We hope to get as many of them as possible.
“Talking about what happened makes no sense; let’s focus on tomorrow’s match, because Parma are doing well. They are a very good defensive team, as well as on set pieces. We will have to play a very organised and compact game.”
Injury updates and Modric…
“On the injury front, we are all fine. Even Pavlovic, who seemed at risk of a long stop as we feared a broken fibula. Even though he’s not in great condition, he’s available. The others are all fine. Pulisic and Leao are better, especially Pulisic.
“Modric? Let’s hope he continues like this until the end. An extraordinary player. There are no words to describe him, I get a little emotional when I talk about him. Champions like that are a lesson to everyone.”
Is the post-Como nervousness due to incidents in the match or to Inter losing their rhythm?
“No, absolutely not. The season is still long, with 13 games to go. We have to do our job, starting with beating Parma. I’m disappointed not to be in the game tomorrow. I won’t comment or say anything else, so let’s move on. These two games are very important for us, as are the derby and the others, until we reach our objective.
“Inter are on a very strong run, and with 13 games left, at an average of two points per game, they’re over 90. 88/90. So, for us to get to 90, from 54, we need to get 36 points, meaning 12 wins and one defeat.
“If Inter were to fall behind, and we fail to capitalise on their mistakes, that’s our responsibility, but Inter are the clear favourites for the Scudetto.”
Another tough week for the referees…
“They can’t use TV evidence for certain incidents, it just keeps going. If these things are taken as opportunities, you can make progress, but if we let them go and don’t see them as opportunities for growth, we will always remain the same. We need to improve from mistakes.”
On Jashari…
“I’m very happy with him. He has improved a lot recently, as have Odogu, De Winter, and Athekame. The club worked well in the summer transfer window, bringing in a mix of players like Modric, Rabiot, Maignan, who was already here, and Tomori himself, along with less experienced players.
“But above all, it’s proven by the fact that when you arrive at Milan, everything seems easy, but you need a period of adaptation, and they are doing it in the best possible way.”
If you could suggest an innovation to improve, or grow, would you like to have on-call VAR or another idea?
“It’s difficult to say offhand what needs to be done. I’ve always said, and I repeat, that when it comes to objectivity, we must try to avoid making mistakes. When it comes to subjectivity, there will always be decisions that can please one person and displease another. Regarding the use of VAR, etc., many things can be improved.”
How do you pull off a comeback for the Scudetto?
“There’s only one thing you can do: a winning run, while the others have a run of draws (laughs).”
Are you considering any tactical solutions to face teams like Parma?
“We hope to win more home games between now and the end of the season. Then there are the solutions, including substitutions… Fullkrug has the characteristics of a penalty-box centre-forward, so I’ll either bring him on sooner or later.
“Leao, in my opinion, is doing well as a centre-forward. The data shows he’s making fewer plays, but he’s more concrete and useful to the team, attracting less attention aesthetically.
“On a practical level, he has scored eight goals, playing little and in less than optimal condition. The same goes for Pulisic. If those two are fit between now and the end of the season, they will make a huge contribution to us.”
On the midfielders…
“Fofana? It’s a question of timing his run, he was used to playing in a two-man midfield. As for Ricci, his last game wasn’t the best because we were struck by some flu-like symptoms. The boy, and the lads, deserve credit for the performance they put in.”
Modric and Rabiot: are they players who need to be taught something? And vice versa, is there anyone who needs to be encouraged?
“It’s not that they should be left alone because they’re great players. The higher the level, the faster they learn. Modric is 40, Rabiot has grown a lot and is much stronger than when he was at Juventus. There are players with different characteristics, with different learning abilities. But in any case, I think players shouldn’t be caged.”
Why can’t you see the Champions League as done yet?
“Because there are still so many games to go. We still have four head-to-head matches: Napoli, Atalanta, Juventus, and Inter. We have to keep a low profile.”
Does Pavlovic frustrate you or not?
“Pavlovic makes me angry with his ball control sometimes. Otherwise, he’s a player who gives everything he has on the pitch. I really like him, as a player and as a guy.”
At this point in the season, what would you like to say to the fans?
“To the fans, it’s been wonderful from the start, being close to the players and the team, because together we can achieve our goal.”
Tomorrow’s game is scheduled for 18:00 and after the 2-2 draw in the reverse fixture, squandering a 2-0 lead, Milan will have to do just what they did against Pisa (getting revenge).