Max returns to Milanello eleven years later, and just before the press conference, the fire alarm went off. “The primary goal must be the return to the Champions League.”
“Football is difficult.” Who is this man speaking in the press room? It`s Max Allegri, presenting himself as Milan`s coach, uttering a phrase that flips his old “simple football” mantra. He then elaborates for 40 minutes, revealing the same man with his ideas and contagious smile. Allegri outlined clear concepts: aiming for a top-four finish, the club needing to be a united front, focusing on defense, and “work” as the key principle – likely the most repeated word. Here are his most notable comments, along with two side notes. Firstly, Tare confirmed Jashari wants to join Milan, stating, “His will is to come here, but we must respect another club`s dynamics. We believe we`ve made a great offer, and I hope it concludes favorably.” Secondly, just before the press conference began, the fire alarm sounded. You decide how to interpret that.
Priorities
Here are Allegri`s words, starting with the season`s cornerstones. “We must be a united block, moving in one direction. I try to put the players in a position to win, but the club comes first; it must be a single unit, a support system. Dedication to work must be the top priority. We don`t need revolutions, just organized work.”
Objectives
“The primary goal is for Milan, a world-class club, to return to playing in the Champions League. Napoli is still the favorite, then there are Inter, Juve, Roma, Lazio, Atalanta. Finishing in the top four is absolutely not easy. Football is difficult when you explain it: Spezia made the playoffs with almost the same squad as last year when they were in the playouts. I am very happy, very enthusiastic. I believe the squad is excellent; there are valuable players. The important thing is to work, because the first few months are crucial for laying the foundations, then seasons are decided in March. The only way to regain the fans` respect is to work well; the fans will have to help us, we need them.”
Market and Key Players
Allegri effectively confirmed Theo`s departure and (again) Modric`s arrival. “Theo? Departures are shared decisions; Theo made a choice, I wish him the best of luck. Modric will arrive in August; he is extraordinary and needs no introduction.” Then: “I`ve seen Maignan; I`m very happy he stayed. He`s one of the best goalkeepers in Europe, the club did very well to convince him to remain. Leao is extraordinary; he will have a great season. Usually, the most important years in a career are between 26 and 30. I believe Loftus-Cheek is very important. We will play with three midfielders, then we`ll see based on the players` characteristics.” And again: “I don`t want to talk about the market here…” But the questions pressed on. “Vlahovic? Dusan is an extraordinary guy; he`s a Juve player, but I saw him arrive from Fiorentina…”
Negotiation and Catchphrases
“Me, the most desired coach? When Tare and Furlani called, I met them immediately, and we decided we would start this adventure together. I also met the ownership; it was a pleasant lunch. I haven`t seen Ibra yet, but we`ve been in touch; I`m very happy,” Allegri said, also questioned about his famous quotes: “Goal difference is what matters most; they taught me that as a child. Almost always in Serie A, the team that concedes fewer goals wins. It`s not about a narrow margin (`corto muso`); the goal is to return to the Champions League. You have to enjoy yourself with grit; this is my way of seeing things. When Cristiano Ronaldo scored an overhead kick against us at Juve, nobody remembers the buildup. Football is art; people come to the stadium to see technical moves.”
