Allegri: ‘Not right’ to talk about Mateta, ‘I’m happy with the guys I have at my disposal’

Massimiliano Allegri insists that it is ‘not right’ for him to comment on developments regarding Milan target Jean-Philippe Mateta, and insists that he is ‘happy’ with the players that he currently has at his disposal. 

Into the final day of the January transfer window, Milan are still hoping to conclude a deal for Crystal Palace striker Mateta, who reported an issue with his knee during his medical on Sunday. 

Allegri was given an opportunity to comment on the Mateta matter, Milan’s transfer business and the condition of his current squad during his pre-match press conference ahead of Tuesday’s Serie A match against Bologna. 

At the beginning of his pre-match press conference on Monday, Allegri was asked what he makes of Milan finally sorting a new contract extension for goalkeeper Mike Maignan. 

He said: “I’m very happy because Milan have secured one of the best goalkeepers in Europe. He’s very happy, he’s always said that he wants to stay. The club has done the job in the right way to ensure that Maignan stays at Milan. Now let’s think about tomorrow.” 

Allegri was unwilling to comment on Milan’s ongoing attempts to sign Jean-Philippe Mateta from Crystal Palace, though: “As I’ve always said, I’m only talking about players registered to AC Milan. It’s also out of respect, it’s not right to talk about players from other clubs.” 

Allegri went on to give a medical update ahead of Tuesday’s clash with Bologna, confirming that Alexis Saelemaekers is set to miss out. 

“Saelemaekers won’t be there, that adductor pain is still bothering him. He made himself available in Rome, but had a bit of a setback. Leao is managing his pubis issue but will be there. The others are all alive and well so we’ll take them to Bologna.” 

Assessing the task at hand at the Dall’Ara, Allegri added: “It all depends on what happens on the pitch tomorrow. Bologna are coming off a very good victory in the Europa League but have only won one of their last 10. 

“We’ll go up against a team that will want to beat Milan and that will want to show these negative results are a thing of the past. We need a very serious performance.”

Allegri was again asked for his thoughts on Milan’s business on what is the final day of the January transfer window. 

“We’re lucky to have these two games, tomorrow and in 10 days’ time. We will have time to fully recover Pulisic, Leao and Fullkrug, that toe will be glued back sooner or later. We’re approaching the return of Gimenez as well, who will be useful for us for the end of the season. I’m happy with the guys I have at my disposal. 

“We’ve done good things so far, but it’s not good enough for our final goal. Juventus have come closer, Roma are on the attack, Como as well. We can’t lose sight of the fact that the hard work we’ve already put in could be thrown away in a short space of time. What’s done is done, but we have to conquer tomorrow as well.”