For Massimiliano Allegri, tomorrow marks not just the start of another Serie A campaign, but a true homecoming to the venerable San Siro touchline. After a rather peculiar debut from the skybox during the Coppa Italia clash against Bari, the seasoned tactician is finally set to reclaim his rightful place in the dugout, gazing upon the three tiers of the Meazza – a stadium where he once orchestrated a Scudetto triumph and a Supercoppa victory. The initial Coppa Italia outing was, by his own admission, “just okay.” Now, with the league commencing, and a seemingly favorable early schedule featuring Cremonese and Lecce, “just okay” simply won`t suffice. For a Milan side unburdened by European commitments this season, hiding is not an option.
The Quest for Unwavering Equilibrium
Allegri, appearing remarkably upbeat and charged, articulated his philosophy for the season with notable clarity. “In the league,” he stated, “we will need to maintain a cruising speed, always traveling at the same pace, without significant ups and downs. This is why equilibrium must reign within us. The objective is to play in the Champions League next year. This requires work, responsibility, and attention to detail.” It`s a pragmatic approach, perhaps even a technically astute one, focused on sustainable performance rather than fleeting brilliance. His return, after a year`s hiatus following a trophy-winning exit from Juventus, clearly invigorates him. “There`s much curiosity from my side too, being back on the bench after a year. Hopefully, we don`t cause too much damage tomorrow… I`d like the boys to give me a victory for my return.”
A request delivered with a smile, yet underpinned by serious intent, swiftly followed by a crucial caveat. “It`s not that because Allegri is here, Milan will automatically win. In great clubs, the coach and players aren`t what truly count; it`s the club itself. The club`s history must be respected. And when you are at a great club, you must feel that responsibility; you must work not to make mistakes. Milan is above everyone.” A stark reminder, if ever one were needed, that the badge outweighs any individual, a sentiment that resonates deeply within the hallowed halls of Italian football tradition.
A Roster Reimagined: The Transfer Market`s Influence
Allegri outlined his expectations for the season, stressing the importance of reaching an optimal league position by March, “as that`s when the season is truly decided.” He expressed genuine satisfaction with the squad, not just technically, but morally. “It`s a group that wants to become a team,” he affirmed. The summer transfer window brought about a significant, if not total, revolution within the squad. “The club has done good work, both in terms of departures and arrivals. We work together every day with the club; there`s a shared vision for our objectives, and the club remains vigilant. There are still ten days left [in the window], but I am very happy with all the players I have available.”
The discussions extended to the defensive line, where Allegri addressed concerns about having only four central defenders. “I wouldn`t say that`s too few,” he explained. “Moreover, two of them, like De Winter and Tomori, can also play on the right, in addition to Jimenez and Athekame. It`s not a question of a three- or four-man defense; it`s a question of the players` characteristics.” A technical answer, underscoring flexibility over rigid formations, showcasing the coach`s pragmatic adaptability.
Naturally, the centerpiece of Milan`s 2025 transfer activity has been Luka Modric. Allegri`s admiration for the Croatian maestro is palpable: “It`s wonderful when he touches the ball; he uses the outside of his foot more than the inside. He can`t have the physicality of twenty years ago,” Allegri quipped, a touch of gentle irony, “so we will try to manage his season in the best way possible. He has shown great availability, and physically, he`s very good. He will be very useful both on and off the field. A starter tomorrow? I`ll decide this afternoon.” The veteran maestro, still pulling the strings, albeit with a mindful eye on the relentless march of time.
In midfield, Allegri laid down a clear challenge for Loftus-Cheek and Fofana: “They need to convince themselves that they can collectively score 15 goals by the end of the season.” A subtle nudge, perhaps, to contribute more offensively. He remained coy about the impending arrival of Victor Boniface, stating, “I don`t speak about players who aren`t yet registered, out of respect for all parties.” However, he was effusive in his praise for Santiago Gimenez: “I am very happy with how he is performing; I hope he manages to stay physically fit for the entire match tomorrow.”
Finally, a fleeting mention of the Scudetto provided a sense of realistic ambition: “There`s a group of teams that will compete for the top four places, and we are among them.” A cautious yet confident stance, placing the primary focus on securing Champions League qualification. And on Zlatan Ibrahimovic`s new role within the club, Allegri noted: “I remained a coach; he changed profession. He is very intelligent; he`s trying to understand, and he is a point of reference for the players, which must be an added value.” The enduring presence of a legend, now offering wisdom from the sidelines, adds an additional layer of intrigue to Milan`s new chapter under Allegri`s balanced direction.
Elton Marrow