AC Milan’s Allegri eyes climb up Serie A table - 7M sport

AC Milan’s Allegri eyes climb up Serie A table



I have a say

Posted Saturday, September 24, 2011 by YAHOO Sport

AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri says his team needs a victory against rock-bottom Cesena on Saturday to start climbing up the table.

After taking two points from their opening three games, Milan sit two places above the relegation zone and five points below the early pace-setters.

But the coach says they cannot keep dropping points, not least if they are to rediscover their self-belief.

"A win tomorrow (Saturday) would be very important for our league position but mostly to increase our self-esteem and our psychological condition to prepare well for the (mid-week) Champions League match," he told reporters on Friday.

"Against Udinese (a 1-1 draw on Wednesday) the lads played exceptionally well. They never lost their nerve.

"After the goal we conceded and the loss of (Alexandre) Pato (to injury), it wasn't easy to recover.

"We were patient and in the end we achieved a good result, which allows us to approach the Cesena game with calm. That demonstrates that I have a group who are always able to give their best."

Milan have been beset by injuries this season, particularly to their forwards.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Robinho, Pato and Kevin-Prince Boateng will all be missing for the visit of Cesena, leaving Allegri short of options.

"The numbers are very simple: I have four midfielders and two forwards with (Filippo) Inzaghi ready to go," he said.

"In defence, however, I have more options."

Even so, Allegri has warned his players to be wary of other teams' counter-attacking.

Despite having the best defence last season, Milan are yet to keep a clean sheet in this campaign.

"We'll have to be careful tomorrow as well because they're good on the counter," he added.

"We must avoid conceding for the first time (this season). It will be a game of sacrifice.

"I can't rotate my squad and we have to take on this incredible situation but I'm sure the lads will play the way they should.

"Against Napoli we conceded three or four counters in the second half but we had to chase the game.

"Against Udinese, in the last quarter of an hour we struggled because we'd used up a lot of energy, but we're taking the right measures."

With his attacking injury problems, Allegri left no doubt as to what he expects from Italy forward Antonio Cassano.

"He's doing very well but I expect even more from him," said Allegri.

Finally, Allegri responded to talk about Pato's injury problems.

On Thursday Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani called a meeting with Allegri and the club's medical staff and fitness coaches to try to find out why the young Brazilian has suffered eight muscular injuries in the last two years.

"When certain injuries happen it can be difficult to find a reason," said Allegri. "One thing is for sure, we need to get him back but by curing every aspect, every little detail.

"It's an anomaly. It's an issue, but every injury has been verified at the San Siro (by the team's medical staff)."

Tag:
AC Milan


Attention: Third parties may advertise their products and/or services on our website.7M does not warrant the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of their contents.
Your dealings with such third parties are solely between you and such third parties and we shall not be liable in any way for any loss or damage of any sort incurred by you.