Tiemoue Bakayoko believes his ‘perfect’ relationship with Milan boss Gennaro Gattuso has been behind his improved form in recent months.
In the second part of his interview with Corriere dello Sport, Bakayoko admitted he was not ‘happy’ with Gattuso’s early criticism of his performances for Milan but revealed he had been struck by the ‘love’ of his Coach.
Tiemoue Bakayoko believes his ‘perfect’ relationship with Milan boss Gennaro Gattuso has been behind his improved form in recent months.
In the second part of his interview with Corriere dello Sport, Bakayoko admitted he was not ‘happy’ with Gattuso’s early criticism of his performances for Milan but revealed he had been struck by the ‘love’ of his Coach.
“After Gattuso’s words, I wasn’t feeling good and I wasn’t happy,” continued the Chelsea loanee.
“I felt questioned in what was my position on the field, but I never talked to him about them. I only thought about working and nothing else
“I know myself and I know what my qualities are: I was convinced that by training hard, satisfaction would follow.
“I never thought joining Milan was the wrong move. Not everything’s gone well for me in my short career.
“Sometimes the start of an adventure at a new club has been difficult: It happened to me at both Monaco and Chelsea, and that’s why I wasn’t surprised that history repeated itself at Milan. I need time to adapt, but then… Gattuso’s qualities? I don’t know if he has any…
“I joke, I joke! Gattuso loves his players and gives everything so they train well. His talent lies in showing love to his players.
“He wasn’t the player I most looked up to, but I say that with great respect because he won the Champions League, which is my dream. Please don’t tell him…
“For me he’s the boss and a great person who’s helped me a lot: in the first 2-3 months when not all was well we talked every day, but now there’s no need because we understand each other with a simple look.
“Our relationship is perfect. Am I a leader like Gattuso says? I don’t know. I try to give my all for the team and fans and do things by giving 100 percent because I have a big heart.
“It’s important when the Coach believes you’re a leader.”