Philippe Mexes has looked to assure Milan fans that despite a poor pre-season so far, the club under Pippo Inzaghi are ‘on track’.
The Rossoneri have fallen under early scrutiny for heavy defeats to Olympiacos and Manchester City during their tour of Canada and the United States.
Philippe Mexes has looked to assure Milan fans that despite a poor pre-season so far, the club under Pippo Inzaghi are ‘on track’.
The Rossoneri have fallen under early scrutiny for heavy defeats to Olympiacos and Manchester City during their tour of Canada and the United States.
Despite seeing the defence ship eight goals in those two games, one of their more experienced members of the back-line remains assured of progress towards the start of 2014-15.
“I realise that it is a concept seemingly out of place, but I say that we are on track,” Mexes has told the Gazzetta dello Sport.
“For one simple reason – in training we are putting in the maximum amount of desire, both in personal effort and in following the directions of the Coach. Who is new, do not forget.
“The results are negative and it really bothers us because we are talking about a team that is called Milan. A club that does not deserve this.
“Undoubtedly it is not normal to concede four goals in half-an-hour [against City], but we know where we need to improve.
“We have already had occasion to deal with what we believe to be our weaknesses.”
Mexes considers new Coach Inzaghi as an asset.
“Inzaghi has full respect from everyone. With his ideas and playing style the basics are there to improve quickly.
“His most valuable asset? The great personality. And also, he is a champion who has experienced everything there was to on the field. And now he is trying to transmit it to us.
“He is giving us the mentality, which last year was missing. I’m not worried. I promise the fans that for the end of August we will be competitive.
“The purchases have been made, the players are there. I believe that Milan have the quality to compete with the big teams like Juventus and Roma. Yes on the same level – everyone is starting from scratch, right?”
The France international continues to be linked with a move away – the latest rumours suggest he has unsuccessfully been offered out to Genoa.
“I never considered the idea of leaving. At Milan I am fine. The mentality of this club, of which I am proud, gives me a great desire to help them to return.
“I have not talked to anyone about anything [regarding a new contract], but I would like to renew.”
Mexes’ current deal, believed to be worth €4m a year, expires in June 2015.