Suso asked fans to “trust” both he and Milan will show their best once more after a troubled few months. “Mediocrity is unacceptable at a club like this.”
The Rossoneri visit Juventus on Sunday at 19.45 GMT, click here for a match preview.
Suso asked fans to “trust” both he and Milan will show their best once more after a troubled few months. “Mediocrity is unacceptable at a club like this.”
The Rossoneri visit Juventus on Sunday at 19.45 GMT, click here for a match preview.
“We all know that we must give more for Milan, its history and its fans. We are going through a negative moment, we’re all well aware of that, but we work every day to find a way through,” the Spaniard told the Gazzetta dello Sport magazine Sportweek.
“We are Milan and mediocrity at a club like this is unacceptable. I am the first to not be satisfied with my own performances, so it’s not an issue of criticism or pressure. The fans have a right to criticise and I deserved to be jeered, but I ask them to trust they will soon see the best of Suso again.”
Several coaches have now been accused of relying too much on Suso for their tactics, inevitably pushing too much of their attacking force down the right flank.
“If Milan do lean right, that is not something I decided. Every team has its own characteristics and strengths. If the coach and teammates rely on you, it means you’re doing something right.
“It’s also true that lately we’ve had some changes at the top of the club that affected us on a psychological level, but we feel calmer now with Elliott at the helm.
“We’ve got everything it takes to do well and sometimes it’s just a matter of time, although that is rarely a luxury we are allowed at big clubs. I think we are on the right track and things will improve with our new coach.”
One of the reasons behind Marco Giampaolo’s dismissal was reportedly his decision to use Suso as a trequartista behind the two strikers, but he disagrees.
“Up until the opening game against Udinese, everyone said I’d be a revelation in that role and Giampaolo had transformed me. All it took was one defeat and everything collapsed. I don’t know if it went wrong for tactical or psychological reasons, but I proved that I can play in that position. Obviously, I prefer to play on the right, but I have no problem going more central.
“It’s also not true that I only cut inside and play with my left foot. My form tends to drop off in November-December because that’s usually when my lumbago flares up and unfortunately I just can’t seem to resolve it once and for all.”
Considering the difficulties encountered by both Giampaolo and Stefano Pioli, some fans are re-evaluating Gennaro Gattuso’s reign.
“Last season we finished one point off the Champions League places, so you can’t say we did badly,” continued Suso.
“We’ve started on the wrong note this term, but there’s time to make up for it. I ask the fans to be patient and support the team. I ask them to trust me. I’ll give my all for Milan.”