‘Confident’ Allegri sets Milan targets before Arsenal friendly | OneFootball

Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri is satisfied with the Rossoneri’s first weeks of training ahead of a ‘difficult’ friendly against Arsenal: ‘We want to perform well and improve our physical condition.’

Milan have arrived in Singapore for their Asia-Pacific Tour, where they’ll meet Arsenal, Liverpool and Perth Glory.

The opening game is against the Gunners on July 23.

“We’ve been working for 20 days now and the team is doing well,” Allegri said at a press conference, via Gazzetta.

“The goal is to return to the Champions League, which won’t be easy, as there are strong and competitive opponents.”

Luka Modric is not part of the Milan squad, having just joined the team after the Club World Cup, where he played with his former club, Real Madrid.

“Modric will be important for us, he’s a champion and he’ll raise our technical level,” said Allegri.

Allegri sets Milan targets for pre-season and 2025-26

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri looks on during the Italian Serie A football match between Juventus and AC Milan at The Allianz Stadium in Turin on April 27, 2024. (Photo by MARCO BERTORELLO / AFP) (Photo by MARCO BERTORELLO/AFP via Getty Images)

The Rossoneri will not participate in any European competition next season, and Allegri reiterated that their main target will be to finish in the top four in the 2025-26 season.

“The positive aspect is that playing once a week gives you more time to work, absorb concepts and become more of a team,” he coach said.

“On the other hand, without the Champions League, you miss out on those big matches everyone wants to play.

“I see the glass half full, we must work well so that Milan return to the Champions League. I came back with enthusiasm and desire. I’m focused on the ultimate target: Champions League qualification in the 2026-27 season, which is crucial for the brand and the finances.”

Milan have already welcomed Modric and Samuele Ricci, but Allegri is waiting for more reinforcements to complete the squad.

“There’s total synergy with the club, which is working to ensure the team is complete to be competitive by August 31,” said the Italian tactician.

“We must not look back at the last season but look forward, for the good and the bad. Even when you win, you can’t dwell on the titles won. It doesn’t help for the future. What happened in the previous campaign no longer counts now.

Allegri admits Arsenal game ‘difficult’

Juventus’ Italian coach Massimiliano Allegri looks on prior the Italian Cup Final between Atalanta and Juventus at the Olympic stadium in Rome on May 15, 2024. (Photo by Filippo MONTEFORTE / AFP) (Photo by FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AFP via Getty Images)

“We’ve started a new season and I am confident because we’ve got a group with strong technical and moral values. We’ll be ready to play our first official match on August 17. It’s important to get the work done on the pitch. We have a group that needs to become a cohesive team quickly.”

Speaking about Milan’s next opponents, Arsenal, Allegri said: “I’ve been to Singapore already. Milan have many fans here and we are happy. We’ll have a difficult match against Arsenal. We recognise that we need to continue working to improve our physical condition. There are many Rossoneri fans here and they’ll come to the match. We want to perform well and give them something to cheer about.”