Milan winger Saelemaekers hails Allegri ahead of derby clash

Alexis Saelemaekers has offered a warm and revealing insight into life under Massimiliano Allegri ahead of Sunday’s Milan derby, describing his manager as “special” and “unique”, and letting slip the nickname the coach has given him in recognition of his relentless work rate.

Speaking to DAZN, via MilanNews, the Belgian winger explained that Allegri calls him “scheggia”, literally translating to splinter or shrapnel but figuratively a nod to the explosive pace he brings every time he takes to the pitch.

“He calls me ‘scheggia’ because I always give one hundred percent,” Saelemaekers said.

“He is special to me, he is unique. The way he sees football, his attitude, he is one of the best I have had as a human being. The way he treats us, the way he jokes, the way he is serious when he needs to be. He manages that balance perfectly.”

Saelemaekers looks forward to Milan derby against Inter

Saelemaekers also captured the unique atmosphere that descends on the Milan squad in derby week, a mixture of intense focus and barely contained anticipation.

“The Milan-Inter rivalry will always be there,” he said. “As soon as the derby week begins, you are always thinking about it. Before a game like this, there is so much concentration that nobody speaks. What you eat, how much you sleep, it can all make a difference. You try to do everything at one hundred percent to arrive ready.”

With the title race finely poised and both clubs desperate for the points, Sunday’s clash at San Siro carries enormous weight. If Saelemaekers brings even a fraction of that relentless energy to the occasion, Milan will have a valuable weapon at their disposal.