Allegri defiant amid uncertainty

27 October 2012 01:53

Under-fire Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri has refused to resign from the club, claiming he does not want to abandon the team.

Milan have won just two of their opening eight matches in Serie A and sit 15th on the table, which has sparked speculation Allegri will be replaced by former Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola.

But while rumours continue as Milan struggle, Allegri has claimed he does not give up when things get difficult and argued he can take the team to success.

"I don't hope to be dismissed and I don't see dismissal as a sort of release," Allegri said.

"We'll be released when the team manages to climb the table and qualify for the Champions League.

"I'm not used to leaving in the moments of difficulty; I have never done it, even when there have been worse moments.

"If I saw that the team doesn't follow me and doesn't do what I require according to the features of my players, then I would be the first to resign from the club."

Milan host Genoa on Saturday and having lost their past three games, including a 1-0 defeat against Malaga in the Champions League on Wednesday, expectation is rising that CEO Adriano Galliani will sack Allegri.

Allegri has claimed he has a good relationship with Galliani, while he also believes Milan can beat Genoa.

"I talk to Galliani every day," Allegri said.

"We're all sorry, both the guys and I, and we believe that tomorrow's match is important because we could be winning for the supporters, the club ... for everyone working for AC Milan.

"These guys deserve to win because they're producing good performances on the pitch.

"I believe this is the most important thing and I believe the team will produce a better performance compared to previous matches and I'm sure tomorrow we'll manage to win."