Massimiliano Allegri confirms that he has no problems with vice president Pavel Nedved and warns his players not to take the fourth place for granted.
The Bianconeri host Bologna at the Allianz Stadium tomorrow. They have issues in midfield, where Denis Zakaria and Adrien Rabiot are the only players available. Danilo could be deployed in the middle of the park if Allegri picks a three-man midfield.
“First of all, I wish a speedy recovery to Sinisa [Mijalovic], who unfortunately won’t be there tomorrow,” Allegri said at a press conference.
“We have worked well this week. Bologna are in a good moment. They picked up a draw with Milan and won the last home game.
“Six games are remaining, including the last two against teams right behind us in the table. Fiorentina have the best fixture list. We need to collect at least ten more points to make it into the top four. We’ll think about the Coppa Italia from tomorrow.”
Has he made up his mind on who will play in midfield and whether Leonardo Bonucci will start?
“Leonardo is feeling well, but only one between him and Chiellini will play because we have a Coppa Italia match on Wednesday, so I’ll decide who starts tomorrow.
“Cuadrado has extended his contract. He feels well. I only have two midfielders [Denis Zakaria and Adrien Rabiot], so I’ll need to add someone if I pick a three-man midfield. I haven’t decided yet.”
The Bianconeri have one last chance to lift a piece of silverware this season, but must qualify for the Coppa Italia final. They host Fiorentina in the semi-final second leg next week after winning the first match in Florence last month.
“Right now, we could be happy about the season. We are still not in the top four, which was the target at the beginning of the campaign. We are fourth, but six games are remaining,” Allegri continued.
“I am happy with the team’s development, but I am upset because we were eliminated from the Champions League. Sometimes you can’t win trophies, but you have the opportunity to prepare for the future. I believe that we’ve started a good path this season, but at the moment, we can’t judge what we’ve done.
“It’s the crucial part of the season and we must reach the minimum target, collecting as many points as possible.”
Nedved under fire after visible frustration during Dybala’s substitution
Vice president Pavel Nedved seemed unhappy with Allegri’s decision to replace Paulo Dybala against Cagliari last week. Has the coach met the ex-winger to clarify what happened?
“He reacted to something that happened on the pitch. When you watch games from the stands, it’s difficult to remain still all the time,” said Allegri.
“There are no problems. We are working well together with him, Cherubini and the President. We must end the season well and begin the next one even better.
“Paulo [Dybala] is doing well. He has had a difficult season also because of injuries. I expect a lot from him and the other players because we must collect as many points as possible.”