Massimiliano Allegri wants “courage” from his Milan side in Barcelona and the “perfect performance.”
The Rossoneri earned a 1-1 draw at San Siro and visit the Camp Nou on Wednesday at 19.45 GMT.
Massimiliano Allegri wants “courage” from his Milan side in Barcelona and the “perfect performance.”
The Rossoneri earned a 1-1 draw at San Siro and visit the Camp Nou on Wednesday at 19.45 GMT.
“This is an important match where we will run into a lot of problems, as Barça have always been a strong side,” said the Coach in his Press conference.
“It will require a great performance, both physically and psychologically, both in attack and defence. We need to be wary, but also have courage to play and do even better than in the first leg. Last year our 4-0 defeat here was our worst game in recent campaigns.”
The team has been locked in a training ground retreat since Sunday after a series of poor results, including a 2-0 home defeat to Fiorentina at the weekend.
“It is certainly not an easy moment for us. First we will think about tomorrow night’s game, then Sunday’s with Chievo.
“We tried some different tactical situations. I always try to put players in the roles they are most suited to.”
While Milan are in crisis, Barcelona have also come under fire from Spanish media for being ‘monotonous.’
“The only monotony was that they always won! Barcelona have very technical players who are good at moving in tight spaces and recovering possession. Compared to last year, they also have Neymar who is good at throwing himself into space.
“Leo Messi is always dangerous, even when he doesn’t score. He is the best in the world and will trouble us again tomorrow. It can happen for any striker not to score for a few games.”
Mario Balotelli is due to start, especially as he is suspended for the upcoming Serie A match with Chievo.
“Mario behaved correctly on Saturday and only made a mistake in the foul that got him booked. He knows he has to improve still.”
The tension of the defeat to Fiorentina spilled out with Barbara Berlusconi urging her father, President Silvio Berlusconi, to revamp the way the club is run.
“I won’t comment on these things,” replied Allegri. “The players and I must focus only on the field, reaching the next phase of the Champions League and climbing the Serie A table.
“We are doing well in the Champions League and cannot waste what we’ve done so far. In Serie A, we need to improve in order to get back up the standings.
“We’ve worked together over the last few days and you can’t emerge from a crisis in one match, but the fundamental thing now is to push luck our way.
“Playing against Barcelona brings great motivation to anyone. It will require the perfect performance.”