Artemio Franchi

Last Game

Siena 1 - 2 AC Milan

Sunday, 19 May 2013, 19:45

Serie A

Allegri has no Guardiola fears

Massimiliano Allegri has no fear that Pep Guardiola is waiting in the wings to take his job at AC Milan.

Last Updated: 07/11/12 at 12:09 Post Comment    Bet with SkyBet  Champions League. Click here to bet.

Massimiliano Allegri: Unfazed by rumours

Massimiliano Allegri: Unfazed by rumours

The Rossoneri head coach proved his worth by securing a valuable Champions League point on Tuesday night.

Alexandre Pato's late goal was enough for Milan to salvage a 1-1 home draw with Malaga following Eliseu's classy opener, with the Spaniards sealing qualification to the last 16 as Allegri's men clung on to second place in Group C.

Prior to the game, club vice-resident Adriano Galliani had been forced to deny rumours that he had held talks with the brother of ex-Barcelona coach Guardiola in a Milan restaurant on Tuesday afternoon but, intriguingly, Pere Guardiola was in attendance at the San Siro.

Allegri is convinced he will not be replaced as manager, though, as he starts to deliver improved performances from his team both in Serie A and on the continent.

He told Gazzetta.it: "The presence of Guardiola's entourage in the crowd didn't worry me, there have been countless names and rumours circulating.

"The story has bored me a bit and it's up to the club to deal with these situations. Milan has different problems - recovering in the league and qualifying from the Champions League.

"It's up to me to achieve these objectives and I will do my best for as long as I'm on this bench."

The Rossoneri certainly enjoyed the better chances of a one-sided first half, Bojan Krkic, Stephan El Shaarawy and Urby Emanuelson all going close before Eliseu struck on the break.

"Champions League games are all difficult, we needed to maintain a high tempo against Malaga and that's a tough thing to do when you're playing every three days," Allegri added.

"We created the best chances in the half, even though we were playing with less intensity.

"In the second half, though, we stepped it up. The lads played a great game, even if we made a few mistakes, but I can't criticise the team.

"I met president (Silvio) Berlusconi in the changing rooms, and he told me he was happy with the performance."

Pato's glancing header 17 minutes from time proved vital to Milan's hopes of qualification, and acted as a personal fillip to a striker who had not scored for his club since last December.

Allegri added: "He had a good game, and he improved in the second half. That goal did a lot to boost his confidence, and the team's.

"Physically, we're in good shape and I think Milan ought to be able to climb the league table and battle through our last two Champions League games.

"If we had won today we would have taken an important step towards qualification but we'll be right in the mix until the last game against Zenit St Petersburg."

Bet with SkyBet  Champions League. Click here to bet.

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

A

nd nothing of value was lost.

ahx00
Pulis' Stoke exit confirmed

S

anity1892 Yes I probably should... But everytime I go back and read Almunia for England I just lose bladder control.

sir danne
The Busy Gossip

P

erfect replacement for Carragher. Slow, average when he was at his best, now well past it. Would just slot straight in! :)

rez plus
Liverpool eye Kolo move - Report

Footer 365

Premier League: Manchester City launch Nike kit in deal worth £72m

Manchester City have officially launched their new £72million kit deal with American sportswear giant Nike.

Pulis' Stoke exit confirmed

Stoke have confirmed the end of Tony Pulis' seven-year reign as manager, announcing that the parting of ways has been "mutually agreed".

Hammers hoping Carroll commits

West Ham's chances of signing Andy Carroll on a permanent deal appear to now rest solely with the player after a fee was agreed with Liverpool.

Mail Box

Mourinho Isn't Short-Term, Football Is

There's more in the afternoon Mailbox about Jose Mourinho and his potential return to Chelsea, while there's also a link to some pictures of eagles that look like Arsene Wenger...

Should Chelsea Be Worried About Jose Return?

After a disappointing end to his three years at Real Madrid, could Jose Mourinho struggle to bring immediate success if he completes his anticipated return to Chelsea?

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved