Gabbia loves Allegri: ‘All Milan players want world class coach to stay for a long time’

While reports suggest a frosty rapport between Max Allegri and the club, Matteo Gabbia insists the players ‘all hope he will stay at Milan for a long time, he is a world class coach.’

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The tactician only took the job last summer and currently has them in third place in Serie A, on track for a Champions League spot.

However, the drop down from second after back-to-back defeats with Napoli and Udinese prompted some question marks over his future, especially if he is offered the Italy bench.

Gabbia and Milan players stand by Allegri

“Allegri is a world class coach,” Gabbia told Sky Sport Italia.

“Everyone in the squad thinks this. He has a way of handling moments, both good and bad, that is just incredible! His experience, his knowledge of what to say, the buttons he has to press, it’s second to none.

“Then it is up to us to go on the field, assimilate what he asked for, and do the best we possibly can. Allegri has been a very important figure for us this season. We are all very happy with him and his staff.”

Gabbia also spoke to MilanNews and was specifically asked how much the team wants the coach to stay at San Siro.

“It is what the whole team wants, not just what I think. I am speaking here on behalf of the entire squad, we are super happy with the coach and hope he can remain with us for a long time.

“Right now, the most important things are the results, which decide everything. We’ve got to follow him 100 per cent, then it will all go the right way.”

The former Juventus boss has taken some sabbaticals in recent years, but the Milan players have been very impressed with his man-management skills.

“His ability to understand the various moments, especially negative ones, means he knows when he has to go in hard, or when to relax the tension,” continued Gabbia.

“I was honestly really surprised by the way he prepares the matches, because often times he will tell us about situations that genuinely do happen, so we can recreate the response perfectly.

“There are many situations where he can keep surprising us with his working method.”