Allegri: “We'll have a chance if we play well defensively”

AC Milan come into tomorrow’s match at the Camp Nou after a string of poor results in the Serie A. In the Champions League they have five points, two adrift of FC Barcelona and a two-point advantage over Celtic, their principal rivals for a spot in the next round of the competition. In order to qualify, getting at least a point on Wednesday is vital. Milan’s manager, Massimiliano Allegri, is aware of how difficult it will be to take points off Tata Martino’s team: “It’s always difficult to play against Barça. We’ll have to waste physical and mental strength, because the way Barça play forces us to do it.”
We’ll have to waste physical and mental strength, because the way Barça play forces us to do it
Allegri believes that his team will have a chance if they can play an organised defensive game: “We will have our chance if we play well defensively, like in the first game against Barça.” For the manager, the challenge is “to have a better game than the one at the San Siro.”

In any case, the match at the Camp Nou is a welcome break for AC Milan given their recent form in the Italian league. “It’s stimulating to play here. We don’t have to motivate ourselves,” said the manager. The keeper Abbiati, who missed the match in Milan, agrees with his manager: “The match comes at a good time. It’s a challenge.”

When asked about Messi’s recent form, Allegri was clear: “How is he not playing well? It’s not true. He’s on form, that’s what we saw in the last match. He’s dangerous and he’s still the best in the world. We’ll have a tough time if we don’t pay any attention to him.”Messi is dangerous and he’s still the best in the world. We’ll have a tough time if we don’t pay any attention to him

It’s worth noting that AC Milan travelled to Barcelona with Mario Balotelli, who missed the match at the San Siro, and with Kaká and Robinho. Bonera, who’s been out of action for the past three months, also returns to the team, while El Shaarawy is still injured.