Allegri unfazed by Milan form slump

AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri has shrugged off criticism in the wake of overseeing the club’s worst home start to the season since 1930.

Milan fell 1-0 to Atalanta in Serie A on Saturday thanks to Luca Cigarini’s goal, leaving Allegri with the unenviable record of having only collected three points from as many fixtures.

Speculation continues to mount over the security of his position as coach, but Allegri claims fans need to be patient.

“We only had one more point at this stage last season,” argued the 45-year-old. “The team has certainly changed a great deal.

“I admit to being a little bit worried, because it’s not good enough to be playing like this. We need to be more positive and carefree. The lads have to grow up and realise playing with nervousness will not allow us to progress.

“We definitely have to get back on track, but more on a psychological level rather than a technical one. There are some young lads here and they need to grow up quickly.”

The last time Milan slumped to consecutive defeats at home in opening fixtures occurred over 80 years ago, with the consecutive San Siro losses to Sampdoria and Stefano Colantuono’s Orobici condemning their only win of the season, against Bologna, to distant memory.

Allegri’s men will have the opportunity to redeem themselves on Tuesday, when they host Anderlecht in Champions League action.