Every word from Allegri’s pre-Roma press conference

Massimiliano Allegri spoke at a press conference on the eve of the match against Roma.

What kind of Roma are you expecting?

“A Roma that is having an excellent championship because they are fighting for the Champions League. They have only conceded 5 goals at home in 11 games and have come from four home wins where they haven’t conceded a goal, and I believe they are one of the best in Europe or among the top three. It will be a beautiful game with a full stadium, and we will have a nice spring climate, and we need to be good.”

Can you give us an update on the injured players? How is Pogba?

“Paul has responded well, he trained yesterday, and he’s fine. It’s normal that he doesn’t have many minutes, but I was very happy with how he entered the game and immediately adapted. For now, he is an excellent solution from the bench. Milik will return after the break, Kaio Jorge is not yet available. Miretti will be back tomorrow, and everyone else is available.”

Is tomorrow’s game even more important after Lazio’s win?

“For us, the game is essential because we are playing a direct clash with Roma. We must try to distance ourselves from those behind us. We need to distance ourselves from Bologna, and it’s not easy. The teams ahead of us are far away, but we need to see how the championship evolves. Tomorrow it’s important to play well.”

How is Paredes?

“Paredes is doing well, and tomorrow Locatelli will be back. We also have Barrenechea, who had an excellent game. In midfield, all players are reliable.”

Do you plan to play the trident again?

“We need to be patient and calm when playing players who haven’t played for a long time. On Thursday, we have Friburgo, where there will also be a full stadium. Now, changes from the bench are important. I am pleased to have them all available, and we will have to make choices, even if everyone likes to play 90 minutes, but this is impossible.”

You are often compared to Mourinho. Do you see yourself in him?

“If I’m compared to Mourinho, I’m very happy. If I’m not mistaken, he has won 26 trophies, which is not a small number. He is doing an excellent job at Roma, and if I’m not mistaken, it has been several years since Roma fought for the Champions League, and they have 44 points.

“Regardless of our penalty, they are fighting for the Champions League. Tomorrow I hope to see Mourinho on the field. For me, when a coach is thrown out, the following weekend, he should always be on the bench. There should be fines so that those who need help can receive it.”