Lennon unmoved by Milan coach’s ‘wartime bulletin’
AC Milan head coach Massimiliano Allegri described his list of absentees akin to a “wartime news bulletin” for the Group H opener, with Kaka, captain Riccardo Montolivo and fellow midfielder Andrea Poli all set to miss the visit of the Hoops.
Forwards Stephan El Shaarawy and Giampaolo Pazzini are also out along with defenders Ignazio Abate, Mattia De Sciglio, Matias Silvestre and Daniele Bonera.
The Celtic boss, who revealed midfielder Joe Ledley was a “major doubt” with a groin injury and who will also be without winger James Forrest and midfielder Beram Kayal, said: “It is very unfortunate for him that these injuries have come all at the one time and it is not an ideal situation.
“But I am sure as the season and the campaign progresses Milan, as always, will get better and stronger.
“I can’t look too much into Milan’s problem I have to concentrate on my own.
“The fact that he can maybe bring [Alessandro] Matri in to the team, he cost a lot of money, money that myself or my board of directors can only dream of paying for players.
“I can’t really offer up a lot of sympathy at this stage for him.”
Lennon revealed his admiration for one player who will definitely start for Milan, their temperamental striker Mario Balotelli.
Lennon, who has new signing Nir Biton available, said: “Balotelli is a wonderful footballer. Having seen him live for the first time on Saturday [against Torino], he is very powerful, very skilful, takes the ball in under pressure from people and likes to get them turned.
“When he is in full flow he is very quick and strong, can hold defenders off, he is a good finisher.
“People question his temperament but I would have him in my team if I had the opportunity.
“He was very popular in England at Manchester City, he is young, he has so much ahead of him in his career.”
Celtic reached the last 16 of last season’s Champions League and Lennon believes his side’s exploits have, if nothing else, given the bulk of his squad the experience of playing on the top stage of European football.
“The only thing it will give them is an idea of what they will come up against tomorrow and throughout this campaign,” he said.
“There has been a change in personnel within the squad and we are still trying to integrate them, but the core of the squad will be stalwarts for this campaign and can take a lot from that experience.”
Despite Milan’s extensive injury list, Allegri is looking forward to Celtic’s visit. He said: “It’s a big match as we’ll be up against a team that are very physically strong as well as being technically good players, especially in the attacking department.
“They’ll be a tough team to face.
“There are all the ingredients for a great match and a great performance. I’m not worried at all about the situation.”
Meanwhile, AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani revealed Kaka was in tears when the recent signing from Real Madrid offered to forego his wages until he had recovered from injury.
“Kaka’s decision came about during a phone call that I received from him where he was crying,” Galliani said.
“He told me he wanted to feel the affection of Milan and to repay the fans for their support.
“He said he did not want a single euro until he returns to play.
“This act is evidence of the extraordinary rapport that Kaka has with the fans.”
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
