Abbiati: Allegri is handling the squad well

Oct 6, 2012 3:05:00 PM

The veteran goalkeeper has assured everyone that the team have a strong relationship with their coach and wished the former Cagliari boss stayed on for a long time

AC Milan star Christian Abbiati has backed under-fire trainer Massimiliano Allegri ahead of the derby match against Inter on Sunday.

The Rossoneri have been struggling in Serie A this season and find themselves in eleventh place after six games. Rumour has it that the coach could be in for sacking if the team's situation does not improve soon.

The 35-year-old year old goalkeeper made it clear that the AC Milan squad are fully behind Allegri and reiterated that the coach is doing a great job, given the circumstances.

"I have never had any problems with Allegri, but I can assure you that ever since he arrived at the club the players have always been with him," Abbiati told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"Being Milan’s coach isn’t easy, but Allegri is handling the squad well. His age allows him to have a great connection with the players.

"I would say that his relation with us is very similar to the relation that we had with Ancelotti. During the matches he’s the one who’s in charge, but off the pitch he talks and makes jokes.

"I'm sorry that Allegri has been criticized so much lately. I hope that he will stay at least until his contract expires in 2014, and I hope to be here in the future as well."

Abbiati then went on to appeal to the fans and asked for their support in the Derby della Madonnina on Sunday.

"I want to see the stadium full of passionate people when we face Inter tomorrow."

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