Massimiliano Allegri insists Milan’s performance against Celtic wasn’t that different from recent setbacks.
Massimiliano Allegri insists Milan’s performance against Celtic wasn’t that different from recent setbacks.
“It was a great evening and the lads deserved this victory, especially in the first half when we played some good vertical passes. We risked going behind on a ball that was bobbling around in the box,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia after a 3-0 Champions League triumph.
“Milan’s last win in Glasgow was in 1969, so to have such a crushing victory against a tough side was impressive.
“It makes me laugh now, as when you lose people say the team is a disaster. We are the same team as a month ago. This remains a good team with its strengths and weaknesses. We have to work on the certainties we have.
“When we were 1-0 up, Celtic had a great chance to equalise, but we went straight up the other end and scored our second. If you look at all the chances we had against Genoa, then that should’ve ended 3-0 as well instead of 1-1.
“This is football: sometimes a moment goes your way and changes the game, sometimes it goes against you. Luck is a fundamental component of the sport.”
Ricky Kaka and Valter Birsa supported Mario Balotelli in a Christmas Tree formation that seemed to protect the midfield more.
“This is the system we basically used last season, albeit with Stephan El Shaarawy a bit wider. Balotelli did well to understand the right moments in stretching the team out or coming back towards the midfield.
“Having a player in the side who can take great corners is a real advantage. Some people acted as if Birsa didn’t belong at Milan, but he is a talented lad who works hard and is proving very useful.
“Ignazio Abate picked up an injury, so we had to use Andrea Poli as a full-back for a while. Celtic forced us to raise the tempo, but our players also did well to keep passing the ball quickly and not allow Celtic to be dangerous.
“We managed to lose some incredible games in Serie A, as between Chievo and Genoa we allowed one shot on goal. It’s true we need to be more careful in defending on set plays.”
Milan are not qualified for the Champions League knockouts yet, but will get through as long as they avoid defeat to Ajax at San Siro.