Allegri: AC Milan must not fear the opposition

Posted Saturday, September 29, 2012 by Goal.com

The 45-year-old coach says his side must refind their confidence if they are to challenge for the Serie A title, but believes they can still mount a bid for honours this season

Massimiliano Allegri believes that his AC Milan side will continue to improve as they look to build on their win over Cagliari on Wednesday.

The 45-year-old coach has come under pressure from supporters after the Rossoneri lost three of their opening four matches in Serie A, but their 2-0 victory in midweek saw signs of improvement and Allegri hopes they can build on that performance against Parma.

"What we need is a bit of serenity, sometimes when we go ahead we almost fear the opposition, and that leads to their enhanced possession," he explained.

"The good thing is that we are doing very well in defence. Currently on the San Siro pitch the ball slips and I do not know how to solve it, but maybe in a month things will get better."

The win over Cagliari was secured by two goals from teenager Stephan El Shaarawy, but the former Cagliari coach has admitted that the striker is far from the finished article.

"El Shaarawy is much better now and moves better when he is without the ball. He's still very young and needs to understand that he has not yet done anything because in football, to reach the top, you have to do well for many years," he added.

"It's an important moment for him. He is very young and I know it is not easy, but he must work to get better."

Many have already written off last year's runners-up in their quest for the title, and Allegri has admitted that reigning champions Juventus are the favourites to win their second consecutive championship.

"Juve are the favourites for the league, but there's others up there. Napoli do not have the Champions League and may be annoyed by that, while Roma, Lazio and Inter are equipped," he stated.