Allegri: Players must ‘earn the right’ to play for Milan amid Maignan uncertainty

Massimiliano Allegri insists Milan directors are ‘planning for the future’ but players must ‘earn the right’ to play for the Rossoneri.

Allegri held a press conference on Friday on the eve of a Serie A match against Parma.

One of the questions faced by the Italian tactician concerned the future of Mike Maignan. The France international has kept six clean sheets in 11 appearances across all competitions this season, but his contract at San Siro expires in June 2026.

“I always tell the lads that when at Milan, all of us, not just the players, we have to work every day with passion to create the conditions to achieve results because you have to earn the right to wear the Milan shirt,” Allegri said via Milan News.

“Once you leave Milan, it’s not like you can just come back. Maignan is a great goalkeeper, and the club is planning for the future of Milan, so Tare and Furlani will do what’s best for the team.

“We have to stay focused on our main goal. Finishing in the top four to return to playing in the Champions League.”

Milan visit Parma tomorrow and even if the Ducali have only collected two points in the last five matches, Allegri expects a tough game at the Stadio Tardini.

“It’s a team that relies on long passes, as Pellegrino is very good at aerial duels,” he said.

“It’s never easy to play in Parma. Milan lost there last year. This season, we’ve only grabbed one point against Pisa and Cremonese, so we must be prepared mentally for a game that won’t be pretty. We haven’t won away since the Udinese match. We have recovered Pulisic, who will be available. Estupinan and Jashari are improving their shape. Rabiot will remain out and return after the break, like Gimenez.

“We must set ourselves at the same mental level as Parma. If we can run as much as they do, our superior technical qualities will emerge.”

Milan have become a much solid team under Allegri, having conceded just seven goals in ten Serie A rounds.

Only Roma have a better defensive record with five goals conceded.

“I’ve only asked the lads to reduce the number of goals conceded,” said Allegri.

“It’s the number that matters the most in the long run if you want to reach a certain position in the standings. If you concede 50 goals in a season, it means that you must score 150 to reach the top four.

“We also have to improve the scoring percentage; we can’t score just one goal every six chances created.”

The Parma game is the last one before the November break, and Serie A will resume on November 23 for Milan in a derby against city rivals Inter.

“We don’t think about it. We are focused on tomorrow’s game, which is worth three points, just like the debry,” Allegri admitted.

“It’s not to get to the derby in a good mood, but to have a serene break. The derby will be marvellous, but the upcoming match is the most important one.”