Allegri on January transfer window, Milan substitutions and forgetting derby win

Massimiliano Allegri urges his players to switch focus to Lazio after beating Inter and hints that the Rossoneri won’t make big deals in January: ‘We have players who can give us much more in the second half of the season.’

Allegri unusually held a pre-match press conference two days before a Milan game, speaking to the media on Thursday ahead of Saturday’s match against Lazio.

The Rossoneri have only lost one game this season and have been unbeaten in the last 11 league matches.

During his press conference, Allegri said Christian Pulisic would likely miss the game against Lazio.

Milan have been dealing with several injuries in recent months. Pulisic returned to action just a couple of weeks ago, while Adrien Rabiot made his comeback in the derby on Sunday after five rounds on the sidelines.

Despite the many injury problems, however, Allegri is not planning to bring in many new players in January.

“In the last month, five players returned from international duty practically dead. I couldn’t play them. The squad’s depth is correct,” Allegri said via Milan News.

“The club is working to plan the Milan of the coming years. January is a tricky transfer window. You know, bringing players who are not needed…We have players who are growing and can help us much more in the second half of the season.

“The squad is definitely not small. We missed Rabiot, Pulisic and Estupinan last month,” Allegri continued.

“Sometimes substitutions are necessary, but sometimes they aren’t. If you make them just for the sake of it, it’s not good. Substitutions should be made when needed; sometimes, there are games where they aren’t necessary.”

Mike Maignan’s contract expires at the end of the season.

“Mike has always been among the best goalkeepers, so I’m not surprised by his performance. Regarding his contract, the club is taking care of it; they are working to provide a future and stability for this team in the coming years,” Allegri said.

“I talk to Mike, but not about football. Filippi, his goalkeeper coach, talks to him about this as well. He looks calm and is confirming his qualities.”

Enthusiasm is over the roof at Milanello after Sunday’s win over Inter, but Allegri wants to see a focused team on Saturday.

“It’s normal that the Milan derby is important and gives you a big adrenaline rush. We must not lose sight of the final goal: finishing in the top four. Currently, there are seven teams within seven points, with Lazio coming back. They’ve been underestimated, and Sarri is doing an excellent job,” he noted.

“Saturday’s match will be tough because they are a well-organised team and Sarri is doing an excellent job. They have a chance to get back into the Champions League race. Winning the derby was wonderful, but that’s enough. It’s Thursday now, and there’s another important match on Saturday. There are three points that would allow us to take another small step forward towards our goal.”