Milan's Jashari gives Allegri his full backing
Massimiliano Allegri remains the ideal coach to lead AC Milan and has kept the Rossoneri on course to achieve its goal of returning to the UEFA Champions League this season, according to midfielder Ardon Jashari, who has defended the coach ahead of the trip to Serie A struggler Cremonese.
Allegri's first season back in charge of Milan, which he previously led to the Scudetto back in 2010-2011, has been a success, for the most part.
It is second in Serie A, having failed to qualify for Europe entirely last season, but a 1-1 draw with Como and a 1-0 defeat to Parma in its past two matches have all but ended any title hopes.
The Rossoneri are now 10 points adrift of rival Inter Milan going into matchday 27, but Jashari, who joined from Club Brugge last August, believes Allegri is doing an excellent job.
"The coach is very important for every player. For his experience, for what he has done in the past, for the trophies he has won... you can only listen to him," Jashari said.
"He knows exactly what Italian football is and what it takes to win. He is a great coach; we see every day the passion that he puts into it.
"Of course, reaching the [UEFA] Champions League is still the main goal this season.
"When you play in this competition, it means experiencing magical nights. It is something we must all achieve together."
Jashari has endured a frustrating debut campaign in Italy, having only made eight Serie A appearances and three starts after suffering a fractured fibula in October.
But he is hopeful of playing a more prominent role in the closing weeks of the campaign.
"Now I feel 100 per cent," he said. "I'm working to help the team win more games. Milan means a lot to me.
"When I was told that I could come to Milan, it was a dream come true. To arrive at this magical club after a long negotiation ... It's a fantastic feeling to play for this club."
Cremonese is only outside the relegation zone on goal difference, having only scored one goal – and picked up two points – in its past seven games.
