Allegri: Pulisic doubt for Milan, Inter ‘clear title favourites’
Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri says Christian Pulisic is in doubt for tomorrow’s Serie A match against Como, while Inter remain the ‘clear favourites’ in the race for the title.
Milan prepre to host Como at San Siro in a rescheduled Serie A fixture from Round 24 on Wednesday. It was not played earlier this month as the Winter Olympics’ opening ceremony took place at the Stadio Meazza in San Siro.
Santiago Gimenez is injured, and Adrien Rabiot is suspended for Milan, but Pulisic is also not fully fit.
Milan team news ahead of Como clash
“Aside from Rabiot, who is suspended, the others feel quite well. Saelemaekers is available, and I hope the same goes for Pulisic, because he still feels discomfort. Let’s see if he’ll be there. Gimenez will return soon,” Allegri said at a press conference via Milannews.
When asked about Rabiot’s replacement, Allegri replied: “I haven’t decided yet. Jashari feels well, and I must decide. Adrien is okay, he’s improved technically, phisically and mentally. Those who play tomorrow will have a great performance.”
Milan, however, can rely on another top-class player in central midfield, Luka Modric: “The secret of Luka is that he has passion and a visceral love for football that drives him to deliver these performances,” Allegri argued.
“He apologises and gets angry with himself when he misplaces a pass, one out of every 50 or 60 he makes. The calmness with which he approaches training sessions and matches is something others have a lot to learn from. When the decisive moment of the game comes, Luka’s expression changes. And that is something you see in great champions.”
Neither Rafael Leao nor Pulisic started in the last two Serie A games for Milan, but will Leao make it to the Rossoneri XI this time?
“It’s hard to give a percentage. Let’s say he’s okay. He had quite a good training session yesterday,” Allegri replied.
“Like Pulisic, he’s had some physical issues this season, but also scored important goals. Surely, they’ll do very well in the final part of the season when games will change, and we’ll need technical players.”
Como coach Fabregas showed frustration after Milan’s 3-1 win against the Azzurri last month.
“There’s no debate. I think Como and Fabregas are doing an excellent job. They are in the race for the Champions League,” Allegri said.
“They’ve done a great job in a short time, so we can only congratulate them. In some moments, you play well, in others not so well. For Milan, it is important to get a result through performances, which can be good or not so good. The main target is to reach the Champions League.”
A reporter asked whether the referee controversy in Inter-Juventus could affect his team.
“Why? We are doing good things. Inter were the clear title favourites; they were the favourites with Napoli, and now they are even more,” Allegri replied.
“There are still many games remaining. Juve, Napoli, Roma, Como. We have to remain calm. Once we are in the Champions League, we’ll see.
“We aren’t the only thing fighting for the title: 13 games are remaining, and anything can still happen. Caution is needed at both ends of the table. We must not waste energy on situations happening outside. Right now, blinders are needed.”