AC Milan midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu has thanked Marco Giampaolo for his time with the Rossoneri, but has confessed that ‘things change quickly’.
Milan confirmed the appointment of Stefano Pioli to replace Giampaolo as head coach last Wednesday, with the latter having lasted just 111 days in charge.
That represents the shortest reign (in days) in the club’s history, but it included a stretch of four defeats in seven games which ultimately proved to be too costly.
One player who has struggled for form so far this season is Calhanoglu, despite scoring the winner against Brescia in round two.
However, he believes the arrival of Pioli can help rejuvenate a ‘strong’ group of players.
The Turkey international spoke to SportMediaset at the end of the match against France on Monday night, in which he provided an assist for their late equaliser.
“First of all, I want to thank Mr. Giampaolo,” he said, via Calciomercato.com.
“Thanks for everything, he is a good coach but at this time at Milan he changes quickly.
“Now let’s see with Pioli, we are strong, we have many strong players in the team and we want to do well.”
Calhanoglu and his international team-mates have caused a stir with their celebrations recently, which pledged support to controversial Turkish leader Erdogan.
Calciomercato.com even claimed on Monday that the gesture was not appreciated by the Milan leadership and as such he could be forced out in January.
“Everyone talks about this after our celebration,” Calhanoglu continued.
“I play for my national team, but politics is something else. We are players, we are here to play. We are with our nation 100%, even in difficulties.”
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