Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri is convinced that he’ll still be coaching the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Alexandre Pato and Thiago Silva next term.
Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri is convinced that he’ll still be coaching the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Alexandre Pato and Thiago Silva next term.
All three players are being linked with summer exits, but Allegri insists the rumours are just newspaper talk.
“I hear and read many things, but this club doesn’t want to sell anyone,” the former Cagliari boss commented.
“I’m certain that, come August 31, the club will hand me a complete squad – one that is even more competitive than it is already.
“We’ll see what happens and something unexpected may also occur in terms of the players who come in…”
Allegri’s latest comments arrive on a day when Brazilian international Thiago Silva is again being paired with Barcelona.
“I’m certain that he will stay,” the Italian noted. “He’s easily the best defender in Europe and losing him would be very serious. I’m convinced that he’ll return to Milanello after the Olympics.
“Vice-President Adriano Galliani has been very clear about the club’s intentions. Milan don’t want to give him away.
“President Silvio Berlusconi has ambitions and the desire to see Milan at great levels.”
The Diavolo were crippled by injuries in 2011-12 and the boss hopes that he can recover two players for next term.
“Pato will be our first signing,” he argued. “We almost didn’t have him at all in the last campaign.
“Meanwhile, Kevin Prince Boateng was crucial when we won the Scudetto. He has extraordinary qualities already, but he can grow.”