Allegri: I have no problem with Ibrahimovic

AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri has rubbished claims that there is tension between him and the club’s star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

After the Rossoneri’s 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Champions League on Tuesday, the Swede claimed he felt uncomfortable playing out of position, with reports circulating that the player was furious with his boss at half-time.

However, Allegri has moved to downplay the issue and stated that Ibrahimovic said nothing out of order.

“I do not have and never had a problem with ‘Ibra’,” Allegri told reporters at a press conference in preparation for the side’s Serie A fixture versus Lecce on Sunday.

“Over the course of a year you can have some differences regarding ideas or some discussions, that can also act as a motivating force during an important moment of the season.”

“Ibra said nothing bad, it’s only normal that he has the same desire to win as I do, that we all do in the Milan locker room. The objective is to win. You can do it well with all love and hugs, or through the odd argument, that doesn’t matter. We all work together for the final objective.”

AC Milan head into their fixture against Serse Cosmi’s men two points clear of Juventus at the top of the league and Allegri spoke of his delight at being at the summit of Serie A.

“I am happy because after a long catch-up the lads are back on top. Now the difficult part arrives as we have to stay there with calm and balance, taking it one game at a time,” he said.

“It’s in our hands now. We’ve got three competitions to deal with so it is important to be fresh psychologically even more than physically.”.

“I am not worried about Lecce, although we respect them, as they got back into the race for safety since Serse Cosmi arrived and have a great young talent in Luis Muriel.”

“There are only 12 games to go and after Palermo, I didn’t expect to be on top with a two-point advantage.”

Heading into the game, the reigning Italian champions have injury problems and despite his return off the bench against Arsenal, the coach confirmed Alberto Aquilani will not start.

However, the trainer did confirm Sulley Muntari, Antonio Nocerino and Urby Emanuelson will play.

“The doubts are Luca Antonini, Djamel Mesbah or Gianluca Zambrotta, then Massimo Ambrosini or Mark van Bommel,” he said.