Allegri thanks Milan fans for support

Allegri thanks Milan fans for support

By Mark Doyle

Apr 28, 2013 11:41:00 PM

The San Siro faithful displayed several banners asking the Rossoneri directors to show the under-fire coach greater respect amidst reports that he is to be sacked this summer

Massimiliano Allegri has thanked AC Milan fans over their vocal show of support towards him during the side's 4-2 win over Catania on Sunday.

There were several banners at San Siro demanding the Rossoneri boss be afforded more respect by Silvio Berlusconi in the wake of reports in the Sunday papers that the Milan supremo was not happy with Allegri and was considering replacing him with former player Clarence Seedorf.

Allegri insisted that he has not been affected by the speculation, asking only that the good work that he has done during his time in charge of Milan be acknowledged.

"There were weeks in which there was no talk about my future, and we drew," he mused in his post-game interview with Sky Sport Italia. "Now it was discussed and we are winning. So I hope it continues like this!

"I thank the fans for the banner. It means they are looking at what I'm doing, and have done, and appreciate it.

"I never comment on what the president says or what is written in the papers. I'm glad to be at Milan and I try to do my job in the best way.

"Obviously I have made some mistakes, but I have also done some good things. Criticism is fine. The important thing is that they are not of a personal nature, but I'm not referring specifically to the president.

"We all want respect. I have respect for what others are doing and I want them to have respect for me.

"At the end of the day, I don't know if Berlusconi will want me to leave or not. He will decide having evaluated the work that I have done.

"Third place is an important goal, one which at the beginning of the season was unthinkable."

Meanwhile, Allegri was quick defend Mario Balotelli, who was booked for dissent in his first game back after castigating officials during the recent draw at Fiorentina.

"Tonight he suffered many fouls, but he must try to improve his behaviour," the former Cagliari boss said.

"It's not nice to go against officials, so it would be better to have greater dialogue between everyone so that players are not so much of a pain in the ass."

Giampaolo Pazzini's two goals propelled Milan from being 2-1 behind to 3-2 ahead before Baloteli's penalty tied up the affair late on to move the club back above Fiorentina into third place in Serie A. -------------------------- goal.com