Allegri on Pulisic, Leao and Champions League target: ‘Some values don’t change’

MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 11: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of AC Milan, seems on previous to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Udinese Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 11, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Picture by Marco Luzzani/Getty Photographs)

Massimiliano Allegri insists that he’s not involved by Christian Pulisic’s lack of targets in 2026, has confirmed the gamers which can be in line to interchange the injured Luka Modric, however prevented commenting on the subject of a possible sale of Rafael Leao this summer time.

The Rossoneri tactician sat down for his customary pre-match press convention on Saturday forward of his facet’s upcoming take a look at towards Sassuolo on Saturday.

Allegri previews Sassuolo vs. Milan

Allegri started his press convention with a phrase of remembrance for former Method One driver-turned Paralympian Alex Zanardi, who has died on the age of 59: “It’s proper to recollect Zanardi, an instance in life, an instance of human and sporting values. He put professionalism and fervour into sport. My condolences to his household. He has superb values.”

The subject of dialogue quickly reverted to the duty at hand in Serie A. One of many greatest conundrums dealing with Allegri is find out how to place Luka Modric, who will miss the rest of the season after fracturing his cheekbone towards Juventus final weekend.

“We’re very sorry about this unhealthy harm, which is able to hold him out till the top of the season, even when he has an enormous need to return again,” Allegri commented.

“He exhibits a lot ardour for the work he does and I hope this has been a lesson for the opposite gamers. We’ve got nice gamers to interchange him, both Jashari or Ricci, who’ve grown so much and in whom I’ve loads of confidence.

“Jashari has grown so much. Sadly he had a foul harm initially of the season which stored him out for a very long time. He has need, he’s curious, he has his entire future forward of him and I believe Milan made a wonderful signing.”

Allegri confirmed that he has not too long ago sat down with Milan’s senior administration, however insisted: “It’s regular. Evaluations aren’t simply made concerning the future, but in addition on how the season has gone up to now, even when the ultimate analysis will probably be made on the finish of the season.

“We’ve created a base, however we have to get into the Champions League.”

Allegri was additionally requested for his opinion on the persevering with refereeing scandal in Serie A: “I haven’t made up my thoughts, these are delicate topics. The related our bodies will consider. After every little thing that’s occurred, the final spherical was a constructive for the referees. They did job and psychologically it wasn’t straightforward.”

All season, Allegri has insisted that returning to the Champions League is Milan’s solely focus. They’re closing in on qualification, and with Inter set to win the Scudetto, probably by the top of the weekend, is a second-place end now the goal for the Rossoneri?

“We’ve got to do our greatest,” mentioned Allegri. “We’ve got a tough sport tomorrow as a result of Sassuolo have good technical potential and may rating targets at any time. They’ve good gamers and coach.

“Grosso is the revelation of this Serie A season as a result of he’s grown so much. Regardless of the difficulties of the early levels of his profession, he’s made large steps forwards. Tomorrow is the primary of the final 4, we now have to face it with calmness as a result of we are able to’t let the purpose slip away.”

Allegri was additionally requested if there may be any chance that Rafael Leao leaves the membership throughout the summer time switch window.

He replied: “Speaking concerning the market now is senseless. One step at a time. We need to return to taking part in within the Champions League and the entire group must be centered on that. Then, on the finish of the season, we’ll all make evaluations to see if we are able to enhance the work we’ve accomplished this yr.”

Allegri additionally commented on summer time signing Christopher Nkunku: “He has nice technical qualities. He’s had difficulties, however he’s scored targets. Perhaps from tomorrow the strikers will begin scoring once more. We don’t focus on the (monetary) worth of the participant. There are various factors that may make him do properly one yr and never in one other.”

Santiago Gimenez has not too long ago returned from harm however has discovered it tough to interrupt into the facet since then.

“He’s a participant who arrived final yr, then had the fast ankle downside. He’s an necessary participant. Sadly the harm has stored him out for 4 or 5 months this yr, and returning on the finish of the season isn’t straightforward, particularly for the tempo. He’s dedicated, he’s a useful participant regardless of this unhealthy yr.”

Christian Pulisic has not struggled for alternatives, however stays with no purpose in 2026.

“Pulisic is a vital participant for Milan and it’s tough to search out gamers nearly as good as him,” Allegri insisted. “You don’t have to take a look at whether or not or not the gamers do properly or don’t do properly in a sure yr, there are some values that don’t change.

“He’s been lacking that purpose in current video games, however he’s been energetic. Proper now, it’s important to put private targets to at least one facet and work for the group as a result of our last goal is just too necessary. Those that play, those that come on, need to have a wonderful angle as a result of that’s how we get the end result, in addition to doing properly in defence and assault.”

Submit navigation