Milan coach Stefano Pioli reassured Franck Kessie wants to remain at the Rossoneri and said there are ‘seven teams who can win’ the Scudetto this term.
Ahead of the match against Sampdoria on Monday, Pioli spoke about the current contract situation of the Ivory Coast international, as Kessie has been discussing new terms with the club.
Milan face a similar situation as with Gianluigi Donnarumma and Hakan Calhanoglu, who both left this summer, and hope to avoid losing the midfielder on a free transfer next summer.
“Kessie had a particular summer,” Pioli said at a press conference. “He got married, played in the Olympics and came back, but his physical tests were the best in the team.
“There’s the will from both sides to continue together. I see a player who is calm and can’t wait to continue with us.”
Roberto D’Aversa has replaced Claudio Ranieri at Sampdoria and Pioli expects a tough challenge in the first round of fixtures.
“He defends very well, he has a good identity and quality in front of him,” Pioli added. “He has players who are well. It will be a complicated and difficult start.”
The coach said Milan, who finished second last term, are only one of ‘seven teams’ who can fight for the title in Serie A this term.
“There are seven teams that can win the Scudetto,” he continued. “There will be a lot of balance.
“Inter remain the favourite, but Juventus are very strong. We are strong, Roma, Atalanta and Lazio too.”