Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri – on the eve of the game against Catania – insists there is no breakdown in his relationship with Silvio Berlusconi.
Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri – on the eve of the game against Catania – insists there is no breakdown in his relationship with Silvio Berlusconi.
The club President was reportedly left disappointed with the team’s performance in the 0-0 draw with Barcelona in midweek.
Allegri, however, has insisted that he has talked with the former Italian Prime Minister since and there are no issues to resolve.
“We spoke yesterday, as we often have during these two years,” Allegri said at his Press conference on Friday.
“I explain the reasons why we play in a certain way and he gives me his thoughts on the team.
“From what he told me, he was happy with the performance. I speak to the President on a weekly basis and he is content with our progress in the championship and the Champions League.”
The Diavolo are currently top of the table, but Juventus have underlined their title hopes with impressive wins over Fiorentina and Inter.
“I’m not thinking about Juventus,” the former Cagliari man continued. “We have four points more and we’ll fight until the end.
“It all depends on us. If Juve haven’t lost this term then it means that they have the quality to win the League. Now it’s just crucial that we stay ahead of them.”
Milan will play Barcelona in the return leg next week, but the Coach is adamant that his side are just focused on Catania.
“To be defensive is not in Catania’s character. They have 42 points and do great things thanks to their Coach.
“They are a very technical side, especially in midfield which combines running with quality. They are quick in attack and solid at the back. It will be tough for us tomorrow.
“We’re in good physical shape and I’ll have a few fresh players tomorrow coming back from injury, like Ignazio Abate.
“This is a particular time of the season, but tomorrow we can only think of Catania. We’ll think about Barcelona from Sunday onwards.”
Allegri has named a 21-man squad, but he’s not taken any risks with Alessandro Nesta and Clarence Seedorf.
“Nesta and Seedorf have just returned from injury and they need to carry out specific training,” he said when asked why the pair have been omitted.
“Mark Van Bommel? He has been out for 15 days with a back problem. We’ll have to wait and see if he is available against Barca.
“Alexandre Pato will be back on Sunday from America. His condition is good, if not excellent. We’ll see if he can be available for the next few matches.”