Allegri: ‘Milan started a journey and will continue together’

Max Allegri insists Milan ‘have to knuckle down’ and lock down a Champions League spot, with reassuring words on his future. ‘We started a journey together and will continue.’

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The Rossoneri confidence was low after two consecutive heavy defeats to Napoli and Udinese, so the 4-3-3 formation was scrapped for a return to the 3-5-2.

It was far from a strong performance at the Stadio Bentegodi, as Adrien Rabiot got the only goal running onto a Rafael Leao assist before half-time, but Mike Maignan made several big saves.

Matteo Gabbia also had a goal disallowed for offside, while Alexis Saelemaekers saw his strike cleared off the line by Nicolas Valentini.

Allegri keeps Milan focused on results

“Today’s game was complicated because we were coming off two defeats, and when you are six rounds from the end, the fear and pressure sets in that you might not reach your target,” Allegri told DAZN Italia.

“Trips to Verona are always complicated, regardless of the fact this team only picked up 18 points this season, as they have these rapid counter-attacks that threaten goals. We should’ve done better, but at this moment you have to knuckle down and get the points for our Champions League objective.”

Rafael Leao was hauled off the pitch as a substitute just past the hour mark, and although he did not repeat his tantrum, the Portugal international did seem irritated and asked assistant Aldo Dolcetti why he had been taken off.

Allegri also seemed furious with Santiago Gimenez in the final minutes and threatened to replace the substitute with Niclas Fullkrug, although he did not go through with that.

“We could’ve attacked the space better with our strikers, as Verona had been stretched out a bit. The best thing is that everyone participated when off the ball, everyone realised the importance of this victory.

“At this stage, the result goes beyond the consideration for quality football, that’s natural. We need to improve in certain situations, because we allowed an opportunity on the counter-attack when Bartesaghi ran forward and was out of position. This is his first real Serie A season, so he is still learning, but we must do better.”

Despite it being a poor result, it does still allow Milan to catch Napoli in second place, and create a buffer from Juventus in fourth ahead of next week’s showdown with Allegri’s former club.

“We haven’t locked down a Champions League spot yet, but we’re close.”

Leao was jeered by Milan fans last week for his performance against Udinese, so were there improvements this afternoon, despite the substitution?

“Leao had a good game, he provided an assist, but I needed a striker with different characteristics at that moment and I chose Gimenez. Everyone must feel they have a role to play in this season, including those who are currently on the bench.”

There were also concerns for Youssouf Fofana, who was substituted after pulling up clutching his leg, amid fears it was more than mere cramp.

Allegri was asked outright about his future, amid reports that he could be tempted by a call from the FIGC for the Italy job.

“There are no calls and anyway, my focus is on Milan. We have started a journey together, and will continue it together,” he replied.