Allegri: ‘Milan survived the worst’

Massimiliano Allegri feels Milan are able to shake off the defeat to Barcelona and prepare for Palermo because “nothing can be worse than our first three months.”

The Rossoneri are out of the Champions League after a 4-0 loss at Camp Nou, but still only two points adrift of Napoli in second place.

Massimiliano Allegri feels Milan are able to shake off the defeat to Barcelona and prepare for Palermo because “nothing can be worse than our first three months.”

The Rossoneri are out of the Champions League after a 4-0 loss at Camp Nou, but still only two points adrift of Napoli in second place.

“In two years, we were paired with Barcelona twice in the knock-outs,” moaned the Coach in his Press conference.

“You need a bit of luck to win the Champions League and the strongest team doesn’t always lift the trophy. It happened last season, with all due respect, when Chelsea won.

“There are two ways of approaching football now. Either you spend €400m in a couple of years to pack the side with champions or you try to build a team based on quality young players. In that sense Milan, and Adriano Galliani in particular, have done well.

“Will the next two months be tough on Milan? Nothing can be worse than our first three months!” joked Allegri.

“I have a contract with Milan until 2014. I was pleased that the President showed faith in me, but I am well aware that only results count in football. I am relaxed, happy and have belief in what I do.

“Obviously we were disappointed when we got home from Barcelona, but the team is concentrated on the real objective of this season, which is getting into the Champions League whether directly or through the play-offs. It won’t be easy, as there are six teams – and I include Roma – in the race for second and third place.”

If pressure is on Milan, then Palermo have almost accepted their relegation into Serie B and brought back Giuseppe Sannino, who was sacked in Week 3.

“There is always a reaction from the team after a change of management. Palermo have good players and this squad was not constructed to fight for safety. It will therefore not be an easy game for us,” added Allegri.