AC Milan full-back Theo Hernandez has joined team-mate Franck Kessie in insisting that a top-four finish is still achievable this season.
Hernandez arrived in a €20million deal from Real Madrid this summer and was the first signing officially announced by the club.
Many expected him to take the starting spot of Ricardo Rodriguez immediately given the Swiss international’s struggles, however it is only recently that Hernandez has broken into the first team.
Now Marco Giampaolo has been sacked and replaced by Stefano Pioli, most predicted XIs have the Frenchman as starting at left-back.
Hernandez spoke to Sky Italia about the change in management and his time with the club so far.
“I think it is better for a coach to start from the beginning, instead of taking over the current season, but these are things that happen in football. Now we have a new coach who is very good, I’m sure we will do great things with him,” he said, via MilanNews.it.
“I work every day to be a player. In the last few games I have succeeded and I hope to play them all.
“I came here to work hard, to play and to make Milan history. I am a young boy, I have to still learn so much, but I am convinced that I can do great things.”
Pioli was confirmed as the new head coach last week via a statement on Milan’s official website, and Hernandez revealed his thoughts on the former Lazio and Fiorentina boss.
“I think he is a great coach, like all those who have been here. I didn’t know him, he is a coach who likes to play good football.
“I think we can do great things with him, because he is a very good coach good and clear concepts. I hope that with him we will be able to do great things.
“The first thing he told us is that we have to work hard and we can’t let the Milan fans get angry, even if it’s normal for how we’re doing. We have to work hard to bring them back to our part and let us support.
“I believe in fourth place, I think we have a great squad to stay ahead. It is true that the last games were not easy, but we have a great team to fight for the Champions League and to stay in high. We must give the soul to win games.:
Could the turning point arrive against Lecce on Sunday?
“Yes. They are games in which we must put our heart on the pitch, because victories bring morale. We must win against Lecce to face the next game in the best possible way.
“I think a team starts well, it gains confidence and security and you can see it on the field.”
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