Allegri on January transfer window, Milan substitutions and forgetting derby win
Massimiliano Allegri urges his players to focus on Lazio after beating Inter and hints the Rossoneri won’t do big business in January: ‘We have players who can give us a lot more in the second half of the season.’
Allegri unusually held a pre-match press conference two days before a Milan match, speaking to the media on Thursday ahead of Saturday’s match against Lazio.
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The Rossoneri have lost just one game this season and are unbeaten in the last 11 league matches.
During his press conference, Allegri said that Christian Pulisic would probably miss the match against Lazio.
Milan have suffered several injuries in recent months. Pulisic returned to action just a few weeks ago, while Adrien Rabiot returned to the derby on Sunday after five rounds on the sidelines.
Despite the numerous injury issues, Allegri doesn’t plan to bring in many new players in January.
Allegri on Milan January transfers
“Last month, five players came back from international duty practically dead. I couldn’t play them. The depth of the squad is okay,” Allegri said via Milan News.
MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 23: Christian Pulisic of AC Milan celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AC Milan at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on November 23, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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“The club is working on planning for Milan in the coming years. January is a tricky transfer window. You know, bringing in players we don’t need… We have players who are growing and can help us a lot more in the second half of the season.
“The team is certainly not small. We missed Rabiot, Pulisic and Estupinan last month,” Allegri continued.
“Sometimes substitutions are necessary, but sometimes they are not. If you do them just for the sake of it, it is not good. Substitutions should be made when necessary; sometimes there are matches where they are not necessary.”
Mike Maignan’s contract expires at the end of the season.
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“Mike has always been among the best goalkeepers, so I am not surprised by his performance. Regarding his contract, the club is taking care of it; they are working to ensure a future and stability for this team in the years to come,” Allegri said.
MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 23: AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri reacts during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AC Milan at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on November 23, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“I talk to Mike, but not about football. Filippi, his goalkeeping coach, talks to him about it too. He seems calm and confirms his qualities.”
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Enthusiasm is high at Milanello after Sunday’s win against Inter, but Allegri wants to see a focused team on Saturday.
“It’s normal that the Milan derby is important and gives a big adrenaline rush. We must not lose sight of the end goal: to finish in the top four. Currently there are seven teams on seven points, with Lazio returning. They were underestimated and Sarri is doing a great job,” he noted.
“Saturday’s game will be difficult because they are a well-organized team and Sarri is doing a great job. They have a chance to get back into the race for the Champions League. Winning the derby was wonderful, but that’s enough. It’s Thursday now and there is another important game on Saturday. There are three points that would allow us to take a small step forward towards our goal.”
