AC Milan head coach Massimiliano Allegri addressing the media ahead of the Serie A season opener.
MILAN, Italy – The familiar silhouette of Massimiliano Allegri is poised once again on the touchline of San Siro, a stadium that has witnessed both his triumphs and his temporary departures. As AC Milan prepares for its Serie A debut against Cremonese, the seasoned tactician, making his “true” return to the Rossoneri dugout, has laid out a clear, if not understated, vision for the season: equilibrium is paramount.
The Philosophy of Steady Speed
After a somewhat constrained return in the Coppa Italia, Allegri`s physical presence in the technical area for the league opener marks a significant moment. Milan, freed from the distractions and demands of European competitions this year, faces a singular, intensified domestic focus. “Good enough” will simply not suffice; the mandate is to transcend mere adequacy and deliver consistent, undeniable performance.
“In the league, we must maintain a cruising speed, always traveling at the same velocity, without up and down. This is why balance must reign within us. The objective is to play in the Champions League next year. It requires work, responsibility, and attention to detail.”
Allegri’s words reflect a pragmatic, almost engineering-like approach to football. The emphasis on “cruising speed” and eliminating “up and down” speaks volumes about his desire to build a resilient, predictable, and ultimately successful campaign. This isn`t about flamboyant bursts of brilliance, but rather the relentless, methodical accumulation of points necessary to clinch a coveted Champions League spot. One might even suggest it`s less about painting masterpieces and more about laying a very sturdy, point-collecting foundation.
A Refreshed Squad, Renewed Ambitions
The summer transfer window saw Milan undergo a significant refresh, a process Allegri evidently endorses. He commended the club’s work, describing it as “good work both in terms of exits and entries,” highlighting the collaborative spirit within the organization. While the roster has seen notable changes, Allegri expresses satisfaction with his current pool of players.
Among the new faces, the mention of Luka Modric, even at the venerable age of 40, raises an eyebrow, perhaps with a knowing smirk. Allegri acknowledges the Croatian maestro`s undiminished touch – “marvelous when he touches the ball, he touches it more with the outside than the inside” – but is realistic about managing his physical contribution. Modric is expected to be invaluable not only on the pitch but also as a guiding presence off it, a walking, talking masterclass in midfield elegance. His potential presence in the starting XI for the opener remains a decision for “this afternoon,” a classic Allegri-esque deferral that keeps everyone guessing.
Forward Santiago Gimenez also received a personal endorsement, with Allegri expressing contentment with his conduct and hoping for his sustained physical presence throughout matches. This vote of confidence suggests Gimenez could be a key component in Milan`s offensive plans, perhaps evolving from a promising talent into a reliable Serie A presence.
Midfield Targets and Defensive Versatility
The midfield, a critical engine room for Allegri`s “balanced” approach, comes with specific performance challenges. Loftus-Cheek and Fofana, two players with undeniable physical prowess, have been given a clear target: “They must convince themselves that they can, by the end of the season, find themselves with 15 goals between them.” A collective target of 15 goals from two central midfielders is a significant ask, underscoring Allegri`s desire for offensive contribution from all areas of the pitch, even if his primary reputation leans defensive. It`s a pragmatic challenge: *you have the talent, now produce the numbers.*
On the defensive front, Allegri dismissed concerns about the number of central defenders, citing the versatility of players like De Winter and Tomori, who can also operate on the right, alongside Jimenez and Athekame. This adaptability, he posits, negates the rigid debate between a three or four-man defense, emphasizing player characteristics over fixed formations. It`s a reminder that in modern football, labels often matter less than functional flexibility.
The Club Above All
True to form, Allegri deflected personal accolades, underscoring the collective identity. “It`s not that because Allegri is here, Milan wins. In big clubs, it`s not the coach and players that matter, but the club. The club`s history counts, and it must be respected. And when you are in a big club, you must feel the responsibility, you have to work not to make mistakes. Milan is above everyone.” This statement, while humble, is a shrewd move to unify the squad and management under the broader banner of AC Milan`s storied legacy, diffusing individual pressure and fostering collective responsibility.
As the Serie A curtain rises, AC Milan finds itself in a competitive league, with Allegri confidently placing them among the teams vying for the top four. The road will be arduous, demanding unwavering focus and the aforementioned “equilibrium,” but under the guidance of a coach who prioritizes meticulous work and a clear, if sometimes conservative, strategy, the Rossoneri are set to embark on a calculated journey towards European redemption.
