AC Milan do not want to have to look for a new head coach, but it is hard to ignore the growing noise surrounding Massimiliano Allegri.
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La Gazzetta dello Sport recall how Allegri responded when asked about the Italy job on the eve of the defeat to Napoli: “I’ve started a job with Milan. I haven’t thought about it yet. I’m here, I’m happy, and I hope to stay here for a long time. We started with the goal of returning to the Champions League, a fascinating competition that I’d like to play in with Milan.”
A few hours before the Udinese match he would respond slightly differently: “Before the coach, the president has to decide.” In one week the reply had changed from having unfinished business at Milan to not having thought about it and, therefore, not having made a decision.
Second phase with Allegri
Allegri is essentially keeping his true stance hidden. His aim will be to wait and see, gathering as many information as possible to gain a clear picture of the situation. First and foremost, for himself, of course.
Milan have his priority, and it’s not a purely contractual issue (his deal expires in 2027, with an additional season if they return to the Champions League, with a further option until 2029), but rather a ‘philosophical’ one.
Max has chosen to return to the club where he had already won the 2010-11 Scudetto to erase last season’s sporting failure and launch a new era. His aim is to get Milan back to the top of Italy, and to be competitive in Europe.
Leaving after just one season would have the bitter taste of unfinished business, regardless of how the current season ends. At the same time, the Azzurri bench remains an attractive role, regardless of their failure to reach a third consecutive World Cup. Here too, the incentive to reinvigorate is there.
So, Milan must provide him with a convincing strategy and, at the same time, take his word into account. Everything revolves around these two aspects. Regarding the first, Max expects a numerically stronger squad with quality reinforcements in every department.
He expects players to be ready, experienced, or at least sufficiently refined. He expects an aggressive transfer window, because the current squad’s shortcomings are clear for all to see. Quality and quantity will be the requirement.
Then, there’s the equally delicate personal aspect. Allegri has always respected his roles and has no unmentionable Ferguson-like ambitions, but in certain transfer market situations (both in the summer and in January), it’s reasonable to think he would have appreciated more involvement.
This, and much more, will be discussed when the time comes to sit down with the management to hear the owners’ ideas for next season. Doing so with Champions League qualification already secured would already be an excellent starting point.
