Allegri admits retaining Serie A title will require 'something extraordinary' from AC Milan
The 44-year-old is under no illusion as to what is needed for his side to lift another Scudetto, but insists they must not rest on their laurels in the hope Juventus lose
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AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri has confessed that his side must produce something special if they are to snatch their Serie A title from under the noses of Juventus.
The Milan giants are currently three points behind the Old Lady with four matches left in the league calendar, but it has been a tale of contrasting fortunes for both teams. The leaders have won their last seven on the bounce while the Rossoneri have been victorious in only three of last nine.
However, speaking ahead of Sunday's match with Siena, of whom he praised for their tendency to play to their strengths, he stated that his side cannot rely on Juve dropping points in the title run-in, and so is hoping his players continue to show the heart of champions.
"I'm only thinking about keeping this title race alive because I like to think that we can still win it, although it will certainly take something extraordinary to do so," admitted Allegri at a press conference.
“Looking at how Juve are playing it's hard to see them losing points. However, in football the psychological situation can change at any moment and so we have to win at Siena.
"They are a team that have played some good football and have played intensely with their best characteristics.
"We have to play with the utmost concentration and sacrifice and we mustn't allow them too much space."
Allegri then spoke about Antonio Conte's side candidly, but while he had praise for how they have gone about their business this season, he rued the amount of players he has been unable to select due to injury, and in turn the lack of squad rotation which he reckons has not helped matters.
"Juve deserve to be where they are because they are doing important things and have gone away from us after the games against Fiorentina and Bologna," he continued. "We can only hope that they’ll slow down.
"The third star [over Juve's badge?] I'm not interested. I won't make any more comments as I don't want to be boring. Above all I don't want to be reminded of something that is a given fact [referring to Sulley Muntari's disallowed goal against Juve].
"Unfortunately we've had to deal with the fallout from our Champions League elimination. Maybe we've been made to pay for playing with almost the same team since the sixth game of the season."
As a result of the side's fluctuating form this season, president Silvio Berlusconi is reportedly planning a mass shake-up, with Allegri's head being heavily touted as one of those coming in for the chop.
Pep Guardiola's decision to step down from Barcelona at the end of the season has only increased speculation on the 44-year-old's future at San Siro, but he insists he only has eyes on ending the season on a high.
"[Guardiola] will have evaluated what's best for him to do, so if it's his choice to leave, then that is the best decision," he noted.
"Aside from that I don’t know what he'll do and it's nothing to do with me. I can advise the club on the players, not on the coach. In any case, I'll be here [at least] until May 13."
Kick-off at the Artemio Franchi is scheduled for 15.00CET.
However, speaking ahead of Sunday's match with Siena, of whom he praised for their tendency to play to their strengths, he stated that his side cannot rely on Juve dropping points in the title run-in, and so is hoping his players continue to show the heart of champions.
"I'm only thinking about keeping this title race alive because I like to think that we can still win it, although it will certainly take something extraordinary to do so," admitted Allegri at a press conference.
“Looking at how Juve are playing it's hard to see them losing points. However, in football the psychological situation can change at any moment and so we have to win at Siena.
"They are a team that have played some good football and have played intensely with their best characteristics.
"We have to play with the utmost concentration and sacrifice and we mustn't allow them too much space."
Allegri then spoke about Antonio Conte's side candidly, but while he had praise for how they have gone about their business this season, he rued the amount of players he has been unable to select due to injury, and in turn the lack of squad rotation which he reckons has not helped matters.
"Juve deserve to be where they are because they are doing important things and have gone away from us after the games against Fiorentina and Bologna," he continued. "We can only hope that they’ll slow down.
"The third star [over Juve's badge?] I'm not interested. I won't make any more comments as I don't want to be boring. Above all I don't want to be reminded of something that is a given fact [referring to Sulley Muntari's disallowed goal against Juve].
"Unfortunately we've had to deal with the fallout from our Champions League elimination. Maybe we've been made to pay for playing with almost the same team since the sixth game of the season."
As a result of the side's fluctuating form this season, president Silvio Berlusconi is reportedly planning a mass shake-up, with Allegri's head being heavily touted as one of those coming in for the chop.
Pep Guardiola's decision to step down from Barcelona at the end of the season has only increased speculation on the 44-year-old's future at San Siro, but he insists he only has eyes on ending the season on a high.
"[Guardiola] will have evaluated what's best for him to do, so if it's his choice to leave, then that is the best decision," he noted.
"Aside from that I don’t know what he'll do and it's nothing to do with me. I can advise the club on the players, not on the coach. In any case, I'll be here [at least] until May 13."
Kick-off at the Artemio Franchi is scheduled for 15.00CET.
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