Max Allegri urged Milan’s players to isolate themselves from the club feud with Adriano Galliani and welcomed “motivator” President Silvio Berlusconi.
Max Allegri urged Milan’s players to isolate themselves from the club feud with Adriano Galliani and welcomed “motivator” President Silvio Berlusconi.
The Rossoneri travel to Catania for the early Sunday match at 11.30 GMT, click here for a match preview.
Last night Vice-President and general manager Galliani had a four-hour meeting with President Berlusconi after announcing his intention to resign due to a clash with Barbara Berlusconi.
“We must continue to focus on the pitch, just as we always have done so far,” said the Coach.
“We read and hear what is happening, but it must not touch us. It is a delicate situation in which everyone is seeking the best solution for Milan.
“It is never easy to play in Catania. We’ll be without Philippe Mexes, while Ignazio Abate is unlikely to recover and Christian Abbiati has a fever. Stephan El Shaarawy is back and I’m not taking him to Sicily on vacation. If he’s in the side, it means he can play.
“Against Catania our defence will be made up of Andrea Poli, Matias Silvestre, Daniele Bonera and Urby Emanuelson.
“We should not be in this position in the table, so we must get back to winning ways in Serie A. The team did well against Celtic on Tuesday and it was pleasing to see the performance.”
President Berlusconi was expected to attend the Milanello training ground today and speak to the media as well as the side. However, the visit was cancelled due to bad weather.
“I am the Coach and my responsibilities are on the pitch. I am focused on getting a result and perhaps that could help calm the environment around the club,” said Allegri.
“Like last season, having the President close to the team is positive. He is a great motivator and we are happy he’s coming to see us for the first time this season.
“The first thing Galliani said to me when I arrived was: ‘You are responsible for Milanello.’ The important thing is to give values to the team, stay close to the lads and give my technical support.
“Considering the delicacy of the club situation, I’d prefer not to talk about it. We are all working for the good of Milan. I won’t think about my future in relation to the club scenarios.
“Do I regret not joining Roma this summer? I made many choices in my life and never had regrets.”
Once Galliani leaves, Paolo Maldini is set to come in as technical director at Milan.
“I’ve known Paolo since I first arrived at Milan, but the situation is evolving and there’s no point talking about it now. The club will do what is best for Milan.”