AC Milan's Massimiliano Allegri: We must make it back to the top of Serie A as soon as possible
AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri is eager for his side to recapture top spot in Serie A and has revealed Alexandre Pato is closing in on a return to action.
After a slow start to the campaign the Scudetto holders have found their form and are only one point behind Lazio and Udinese at the summit.Despite welcoming European champions Barcelona to the Giuseppe Meazza on Wednesday, the 44-year-old is focused on domestic matters, starting with the trip to Fiorentina on Saturday.
"We're back near the top of the table and our goal is to get there as soon as possible," Allegri admitted to reporters in a press conference.
"We must not make the mistake of thinking about Barcelona. This will be a very important month, but I think the team have everything it takes to do well.
"The coach went on to express his happiness that Pato was on the mend, but admitted the Brazilian is not ready to compete just yet.
"He has trained well, but do not forget that he has been out for almost two months; it will take some time before he is in good condition again. For this reason it is likely he will start from the bench," he said.
Allegri then stated that the games over the next month were more important than scouting new players to buy in the upcoming transfer window.
"Right now we have a month that is very important on the field. Why not talk about it instead of the transfer market? Certainly when the window reopens we will take stock of the situation," he finished.
