AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri has thanked fans for their show of support towards him during the side's 4-2 win over Catania on Sunday.
There were several banners at San Siro demanding the coach be afforded more respect by president Silvio Berlusconi in the wake of reports the Milan supremo was not happy with Allegri and was considering replacing him with former player Clarence Seedorf.
Allegri insisted he has not been affected by the speculation, asking only that the good work he has done during his time in charge of Milan be acknowledged.
"There were weeks in which there was no talk about my future, and we drew," Allegri told Sky Sports.
"Now it was discussed and we are winning. So I hope it continues like this.
"I thank the fans for the banner. It means they are looking at what I'm doing, and have done, and appreciate it.
"I never comment on what the president says or what is written in the papers. I'm glad to be at Milan and I try to do my job in the best way.
"Obviously I have made some mistakes, but I have also done some good things. Criticism is fine. The important thing is that they are not of a personal nature, but I'm not referring specifically to the president.
"We all want respect. I have respect for what others are doing and I want them to have respect for me.
"At the end of the day, I don't know if Berlusconi will want me to leave or not. He will decide having evaluated the work that I have done.
"Third place is an important goal, one which at the beginning of the season was unthinkable."
Meanwhile, Allegri was quick defend Mario Balotelli, who was booked for dissent in his first game back after castigating officials during the recent draw at Fiorentina.
"Tonight he suffered many fouls, but he must try to improve his behaviour," Allegri said.
"It's not nice to go against officials, so it would be better to have greater dialogue between everyone so that players are not so much of a pain in the ass."
Giampaolo Pazzini's two goals propelled Milan from being 2-1 behind to 3-2 ahead before Balotelli's penalty tied up the affair late on to move the club back above Fiorentina into third place in Serie A.
