Defiant Allegri insists he will turn AC Milan’s season around

 

The coach says his track record at San Siro shows he has always been able to get results and does not think it will be any different this time around

Massimiliano Allegri says he will get AC Milan out of their current slump and remains confident of enjoying a successful season.

The San Siro boss has guided the club to finishes of first, second and third in Serie A in his three full seasons at the club to date.

However, Sunday’s dramatic 3-2 defeat to Parma prompted a fresh round of criticism for the coach - Milan have now lost four of their first nine games this season and trail leaders Roma by 16 points – but he remains defiant.

“I have always got results so far with Milan and the team will get out of this situation,” Allegri told reporters ahead of Wednesday’s game at home to Lazio.

“I spoke to the president before the Parma game. I have good relationship with him. The president and the club are close to the players and this is an advantage.

“Criticism is an aspect of my life as I am the Milan coach – there are worse things in life.

“When you’re a football coach, especially at a club like Milan, if results don’t go your way the responsibility is always yours. I always accept my responsibilities and I will be trying to get the team out of the situation that we are in.

“That is something that needs balance and serenity. We have to solve our problems which didn’t disappear after the Barcelona match. That was an easier match to play compared to when you are up against team that play with 11 defenders, like we did against Barcelona and they had the same problems that we had against Parma.

“It is clear that we have to improve and we have to cut out certain things, certain mistakes. That is what the players will do, I have no doubt about it.”

Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani demanded an apology from the match referee after the loss to Parma at the weekend and Allegri was happy to discuss the club’s position on the officiating they have received in recent games.

He said: “Galliani has been explicit and made the club’s thoughts known. Milan are very respectful of match officials and even Balotelli has improved in that regard.

“It is a fact that things haven’t gone our way so far this season. We just want what we deserve.

“If there are controversial decisions in the game at least it means that we are attacking in the opposition penalty area.

“We do have to analyse what happens in matches and the club has been clear. Now we have to leave the referees in peace and ensure our focus is on getting results.”