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Football

27th Aug 2018

Tiemoue Bakayoko has ‘defects’, says AC Milan boss Gennaro Gattuso

Reuben Pinder

Bakayoko’s introduction did not have its desired effect

AC Milan threw away a two goal lead against Napoli on Saturday, losing 3-2 at the San Paolo. An early goal from Giacomo Bonaventura put Milan in the driving seat before Davide Calabria doubled their lead early in the second half.

But a quick double from Piotr Zielinski levelled the scoring and Napoli’s star striker Dries Mertens completed the home side’s comeback.

Chelsea loanee Tiemoue Bakayoko was brought on by Milan boss Gennaro Gattuso at 2-1 for extra defensive solidity, but his introduction appeared to backfire as Napoli went on to take all three points.

Gattuso was not impressed by Bakayoko’s performance one but and publicly criticised the midfielder after the game, saying he has ‘defects’.

“Bakayoko has to learn how to get the ball,” Gattuso said. “We must work correctly. It will not be easy.”

“One week is not enough to remove the defects of a player. I would have preferred to be managing older, more experienced club players,” the Milan manager said.

Chelsea fans will not be surprised to hear of Bakayoko’s struggles settling in to a new side after a disastrous campaign last season at Stamford Bridge. The Frenchman arrived at Chelsea for a hefty fee in the region of £35m after a title winning season at AS Monaco, but has not managed to replicate the form he showed in Ligue 1.