MILAN - "Never say never" was Walter Mazzarri's reply when asked by a journalist whether he might get together with Massimilano Allegri for a cacciucco [Livornese fish dish] at some point this season, referring to the fact that both coaches hail from Tuscany. Still on the subject of AC Milan, the coach was asked for a comment on Mario Balotelli and the recent racism debates. "Generally speaking, I can say that there's no place for racism, that sort of thing shouldn't exist, but I prefer not to go into any more detail because I don't want to get involved in other people's business."
Two players who are his business are Rolando and Juan Jesus. "Rolando is a player I know well, but being fit is one thing and being on top form is another. He's not on top form yet: he hasn't reached the level I know he can. Juan Jesus is in good shape. He had a minor problem yesterday but then he trained straight afterwards. I don't think there's any reason for him not to start tomorrow's game. I want to keep faith in him – he deserves it."
The coach was then quizzed about his team's balance. "I'd like to be in control of the ball for 90 minutes but when you lose it you have to know how to defend, and you have to work carefully on these things. When we played Juve in the States, for example, the team showed good balance in both attack and defence."
There were also questions about Cristian Chivu and Walter Samuel, as well as Danish youngster Patrick Olsen: "Chivu replied to my text telling me that his op went well. We'll wait for him to return. Samuel started training with us yesterday and that's great news. Olsen is one of the lads we've been having a close look at over the last few weeks. He's done very well. Of course, he lacks experience but he's done well. We'll decide what to do with him, whether to keep him with us or send him out on loan to further his development."
Finally, Mazzarri spoke about the importance of getting the season off to a good start and how the fans can help his side.
"It's always better to hit the ground running because it's good for morale and your self-belief. As for the fans, what's important is the enthusiasm they show, not how many of them there are. The economic crisis has affected stadium attendances too. There are families who would like to come but can't. I'm as much a fan as anyone and I believe that when you go to the stadium you have to show your support for 95 minutes, otherwise it can have the opposite effect. You have to create the best conditions possible for the players to perform at their best and if fans do that they can give us a huge hand. If at the end of the 95 minutes they haven't enjoyed what they've seen and they want to boo then so be it, but during the match they have to get behind the players."
