Massimiliano Allegri reveals AC Milan’s main target for the season is to return to the UCL, praising the club’s transfer window and emphasizing the importance of team balance.
Massimiliano Allegri is gearing up for his first Serie A match as AC Milan’s head coach since his return, with the team set to host newly promoted Cremonese at San Siro. Speaking at his first proper league press conference, Allegri expressed his excitement about the upcoming match, highlighting the importance of starting the season on a strong note.
“Tomorrow we start the season with an important match,” he said, noting that the team needs to work well and maintain good condition throughout the season.
Allegri’s main goal for the season is clear: return AC Milan to the Champions League.
After finishing eighth in Serie A last season, Milan’s absence from European competitions this year has been a significant blow. Allegri emphasized the need for steady progress, saying, “Next year, we all know Milan must return to the Champions League without setting limits for ourselves, and we can only achieve that by focusing on desire, hard work, and attention to detail in training.”
The Italian coach stressed the importance of respecting every opponent, regardless of their standing. “We have to be a team that shows great respect for everyone because matches are won on the pitch,” he said. “Just because we are Milan, it does not mean we start 2-0 up. To get results, you have to be humble and intelligent. Every game will be difficult, and we must have great respect for every opponent.”
Cremonese, who return to Serie A after spending two seasons in the second division, will undoubtedly provide a tough test for Milan. Allegri acknowledged the challenge, emphasizing the need for his team to be prepared and focused.
When asked about the favorites for the Scudetto, Allegri responded, “As I’ve said, there are at least eight teams in the mix, but usually, the favorite is the one who won the title the previous season.”
He emphasized the importance of maintaining balance within the team, saying, “It is not a question of playing style but of the characteristics of the players we have on the pitch. The key is to keep balance and order, and then I will make decisions based on the qualities and attributes of my players.”
Allegri’s concept of balance is crucial to the team’s success. He explained that the team’s dynamics change depending on the players on the pitch, citing the example of Fikayo Tomori playing as a full-back on the right versus having someone who pushes forward.
Regarding the transfer window, Allegri praised the club’s efforts, saying, “The club has done a good job on the market, both with departures and arrivals. Young players have come in, with potential and quality.” He also hinted at the potential arrival of Nigerian striker Victor Boniface, although he declined to comment further out of respect for Boniface’s current club, Bayer Leverkusen.
With the season beginning this weekend, all eyes will be on AC Milan to see how they perform under Allegri’s guidance. Can they achieve their goal of returning to the Champions League? Only time will tell.
