Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri has stated that securing Champions League qualification is essential for the club's summer transfer plans, claiming it "shifts the market by 100 million." Speaking at a press conference ahead of Sunday's Serie A match against Sassuolo, Allegri emphasized that all planning for next season hinges on mathematically securing a top-four finish, with Milan currently needing six more points.
Allegri confirmed that veteran midfielder Luka Modric will miss the remainder of the season through injury, with either Ardon Jashari or Samuele Ricci set to replace him. He praised Jashari as "the future of Milan" and a very important investment by the club. The manager's comments came during a wide-ranging briefing that also touched on the future of several key players and the club's strategic direction.
The manager revealed that recent meetings with the club's hierarchy have focused on both the current campaign and future planning. He stressed the need for alignment, stating, "We must all be aligned on what is good for Milan, to work in this direction. But until we achieve the objective, you can't say anything, because achieving it shifts the market by 100 million." Allegri indicated that a stronger, more experienced squad would be needed to compete on two fronts if Champions League football is secured.
He provided updates on several attacking players who have been struggling for goals. Allegri defended the quality of Christopher Nkunku, calling him "a great player," and expressed confidence that Santi Gimenez, hampered by an ankle injury since August, remains a player of significant value. On Christian Pulisic, Allegri was emphatic about his importance, stating, "Pulisic is an important player for Milan and for the future. He is a Milan player and it is difficult to find others like him around."
Regarding the recent whistles directed at star forward Rafael Leao by some fans, Allegri described them as "a gesture of affection" and argued that Leao's performance in the recent 0-0 draw with Juventus was one of his best of the season from an athletic and focus standpoint. He shifted focus to the immediate challenge, warning that Sassuolo, despite being tenth, are a "complicated" opponent in good form and have been a traditional bogey team for the Rossoneri.
Allegri also briefly addressed the ongoing judicial investigation into Italian refereeing, saying he had not formed an opinion on the complex matter and praising officials for their handling of the most recent round of matches under significant pressure. When asked about the spectacle of recent Champions League semifinals compared to Milan's tactical draw with Juventus, he noted the difference in technical level directly influences the flow of the game, suggesting higher-quality players keep the ball in play for longer periods.
The manager concluded by highlighting the foundation provided by the club's youth academy, naming players like Davide Comotto, Matteo Gabbia, Francesco Camarda, Davide Bartesaghi, and Kevin Torriani as proof of its good work. He suggested that having such a core of homegrown talent allows the club to potentially focus its resources on adding experienced players to the squad during the upcoming transfer window, contingent on the final league position.
