AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie has insisted that the team still have the collective belief that a top four finish is possible this season.
The Rossoneri are once again set to enter another new era after it was confirmed last week that Marco Giampaolo had been sacked as head coach.
He lasted just 111 days in charge – the shortest reign of any manager in the club’s history – and the club confirmed the appointment of Stefano Pioli as his successor via a statement on their official website.
Kessie is one of a number of players who will be looking to put a difficult start to the season behind them, having so far struggled for form in the opening seven games, of which four have been defeats.
He did however score the winning penalty in Genoa just before the international break, and the Ivory Coast international spoke to Milan TV about kicking on from there.
“Genoa? It was an important penalty, because we went to Genoa to take the 3 points,” he said.
“As I saw that the referee whistled for the penalty, I went to the ball to take it, as I did against Lazio last year and another 2-3 games.
“I was calm to score, even though I had the pressure, because 3 points were important for us. I kicked and I scored.
“I want to do even more, giving the best for this club. I want to do everything to bring the club where it deserves. If I score a lot, we have more chances to win lots of games.
“We must do everything to regain the confidence of the fans, at Milan-Fiorentina it was a difficult match for everyone: fans, clubs and players.”
On the coaching change, Kessie added: “We changed coach, I’m sorry for Mr. Giampaolo and I thank him for everything, because he always put me on the field like the others.
“A new staff and a new coach has arrived. We need to understand what they want to be able to replicate in the field.”
Pioli revealed his belief that a top four finish could still happen for Milan this season, something Kessie has echoed.
“It’s still possible for me, nothing is over yet. We have to try until the end, like we did last year.”
LATEST PODCAST: Episode 70 – Hitting the reset button (again)
