Allegri’s tactics slammed by Berlusconi

MILAN - Agence France-Presse

Stephan El Shaarawy ‘s late goal salvaged one point for AC Milan against Palermo.

AC Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi has reportedly criticized coach Massimiliano Allegri’s choice of tactics during a 2-2 draw away to Palermo in Italy’s Serie A on Oct. 30.

Milan, enduring one of its worst starts to the season after losing the spine of its squad during the summer, grabbed a point in Sicily but failed to convince. Berlusconi has so far allowed Allegri to get on with the job and the coach has consistently been given the backing of Milan CEO Adriano Galliani.

However according to Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper Berlusconi “phoned Galliani” after the game to express his frustration with Allegri’s decision to tinker during the game.

Milan was trailing thanks to goals from Fabrizzio Miccoli and Franco Brienza. Riccardo Montolivo reduced arrears for Milan and then Stephan El Shaarawy leveled late to grab a share of the points.

Changes necessary

Allegri admitted on the club’s website www.acmilan.it his side should have done better, but with Serie A’s demands added to those of the Champions League he said the changes were necessary.

“El Shaarawy was not in great shape physically and I wanted to give (Urby) Emanuelson a rest as I can’t burn them out and that’s why I decided to play with this system,” said Allegri. “The players are very good at understanding exactly what’s asked of them very quickly and we can’t play with the same players every three days so that’s why we need to change formation to give them time to get their breath back even if we don’t play as well.

“When you play every three days, the changes are necessary. I’m sorry for the players that they didn’t win but the draw is acceptable here tonight.”