Massimiliano Allegri is pleased to have Alessandro Matri at Milan, said goodbye to Kevin-Prince Boateng and confirms “we could do with Kaka.”
Massimiliano Allegri is pleased to have Alessandro Matri at Milan, said goodbye to Kevin-Prince Boateng and confirms “we could do with Kaka.”
The Rossoneri signed Matri from Juventus this week and in turn sold Boateng to Schalke 04.
“It was a pleasure to have Matri here. I’d also like to wish Boateng all the best,” said the Coach in his Press conference.
“He bowed out well with two important goals for our Champions League qualification. Now Matri is here and I know him well, while he knows Milan because he grew up here. He is a player we needed, considering Giampaolo Pazzini’s injury.
“Matri certainly won’t start tomorrow because he just arrived, but it is important to already have him at our disposal. He is an extra option for us. Mattia De Sciglio has a knee problem, so we need to evaluate his condition.”
Another valuable ‘option’ could be represented by Kaka, who has told Real Madrid he wishes to leave.
“Kaka would make the team stronger because he has great quality and is also a player we could do with. Having champions in the side is always a bonus. His arrival would boost the confidence of the team and the fans. I am confident the club, Silvio Berlusconi and Adriano Galliani have every intention of keeping Milan at the top level.
“In tactical terms, Kaka could play as a trequartista in this side, or as one of the two who flow around the centre-forward.”
The fans unveiled banners protesting at the transfer strategy, as they believe reinforcements are needed in defence.
“We evaluated the squad and in the last six months we conceded only 12 goals. We have a couple of centre-backs who are among the best in Italy, but the whole team needs to help out in defence. There are few out there better than the ones we have, unless we go and bring back Thiago Silva.”
Milan host Cagliari on Sunday at 19.45 UK time, click here for a match preview. They are in dire need of points after losing the opener 2-1 to Verona.
“Essentially our season starts tomorrow with a handicap of one game. Serie A is extremely difficult this year and will be a very balanced tournament. We’ll have to work even harder than last season.
“Tomorrow we have to win because it’s on home turf. Cagliari have some quality individuals, a good Coach who also worked as my player. We used up a lot of energy on Wednesday against PSV and must be ready to face these difficulties.”
Allegri shocked many by threatening to resign after the 3-0 win over PSV Eindhoven, but insists it was a joke.
“It was just a joke. In my three years here I have always had an excellent rapport with the President and I speak to Galliani daily. There were some discussions with the President at times, but that’s normal. I am happy to be the Milan Coach and wanted to stay here to conclude the work I started last year.”
There are now reports Allegri could even be offered a contract renewal, as his deal expires on June 30 2014.
“Let us be clear, I never asked for a renewal and will not talk about it until after May 19.”
Milan must also prepare for the Champions League Group of Death with Barcelona, Ajax and Celtic.
“It’s a fascinating group. Barça dominated in recent years, Milan have great history over the last 25 years in Europe, while Celtic and Ajax have memories of success in the 1970s.”