Allegri hits back at critics

28 October 2012 03:29

AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri has come out in defence of his side's recent performances after their 1-0 win over Genoa on Saturday.

Stephan El Shaarawy's late goal ended AC Milan's run of three consecutive losses, but the hosts were made to work hard to collect all three points.

Under-fire Allegri said his team had been performing well without getting the results they deserved.

"I have always been relaxed as the team have put in strong performances," he told reporters after the match. "Criticism has been too harsh, considering what we have seen on the field.

"The situation at Milan is simply an issue of results, not performances. We could have scored in the first half, while there were a number of controversial penalty decisions.

"Overall, I am happy with the win. We secured this result in the difficult atmosphere surrounding us at the moment and I am happy with the way the team has reacted."

Alexandre Pato continued his return from injury with his first start of the season and Allegri said he was substituted during the second half due to fatigue.

"I substituted Pato because he was tired. He has barely played in the last few months, so it's impossible for him to discover full fitness straightaway," he said.

"In general, he put in a good performance and looked dangerous for us."