Galliani backs Allegri to continue

Adriano Galliani claims AC Milan are fully behind coach Massimiliano Allegri despite their Champions League loss to Malaga on Wednesday.

In the hours leading up to Milan’s away match, speculation had intensified regarding Allegri’s future at San Siro, with some rumours suggesting the former Cagliari coach would be shown the door regardless of the result in Spain.

However, in the wake of the Italian giants’ latest defeat – their third in succession – Galliani has come out again in defence of Allegri, stating the club are at ‘year zero’ following an-season of high-profile departures.

“We will continue with Allegri. We will go forward with him,” the vice-president told the Milan TV channel.

“The president and I are convinced we should go forward with Allegri. The fans must have patience and understand this is ‘year zero’ for Milan.

“We must push on and do our best to emerge from this predicament. I am trying not to speak too much because I am constantly asked (questions) about the coach.”

Galliani was in Malaga to watch Milan succumb to their sixth defeat of the season in 11 games across all competitions, but felt the team put in a decent performance and suggested, with a bit more luck, they may have not come away empty-handed.

“We didn’t play badly last night, as we were organised and when Philippe Mexes went so close I thought at the moment things really aren’t going our way,” he said.

“I have to thank the fans as they are fantastic, both the ones in Malaga and those that I meet in the street. The Curva ultras were at Milanello the other day and encouraged us. It is not true that they made an ultimatum.”