AC Milan-Inter Milan: nothing scares the Ivorian "President" Franck Kessié
Ivorian Franck Kessié celebrates a goal scored for AC Milan against Torino on January 9, 2021. AP - Spada
Text by: RFI Follow
5 mins
Frank Kessié has become one of the main leaders of AC Milan, on the pitch and in the locker room.
One of the star players of the Rossoneri who, against all odds, remain in the race for the Scudetto.
RFI interviewed the Ivorian on the eve of the derby against Inter, Sunday February 21, in what will be the big poster of the 23rd day of Serie A. The midfielder, nicknamed "Il Presidente", launches the charge for a duel which promises to be very fiery.
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With Matteo Cioffi, International Foot Radio consultant
"
If I were president of AC Milan ...
" We are not there yet, but Franck Kessié has nevertheless taken on a new dimension within the Lombard club.
A valuable asset for Milan in the title race, including an important chapter today this Sunday, February 21 at San Siro.
Ten years later, the two Milanese clubs, AC Milan and
Inter Milan
, find themselves once again on the first two steps of the Italian league standings.
This Saturday, on the eve of the “derby della Madonnina”, Antonio Conte's Nerazzurri are in the lead with 50 points, while Stefano Pioli's Rossoneri are just behind with 49 units.
A very particular context with Milanese determined not to let their eternal rivals slip away.
Before this explosive derby,
Franck Kessié, the Ivorian international of AC Milan
, confides at the microphone of RFI.
Franck, is there something that scares you about this Inter?
Nothing.
I don't like that word "fear" because it evokes war.
Of course, Inter are a very good team.
She has top players, but we don't consider ourselves inferior.
We will face him as we did in the first leg, with tactics and quality, trying to pay attention especially at the defensive level.
This strategy allowed us to
win this match
(2-1 on October 17, doubled by Zlatan Ibrahimovic against a goal by Romelu Lukaku, editor's note).
Which nerazzurri players do you personally like the most?
Difficult to say, there are several, even if their strong point is represented by the collective.
If I have to choose someone, then I would say Roberto Gagliardini and Stefano Sensi, with whom I played at Atalanta Bergamo and Cesena respectively.
Will this derby be decisive for the title race?
It is surely a special challenge, but we have learned that all games are now decisive.
Every opponent in this championship must be faced with the same level of focus.
From now on, we can't afford to lose points, whether against Inter or any other team.
Milanese Franck Kessié wrestles with Interplayer Lautaro Martinez on January 26, 2021 in the Italian Cup.
REUTERS - DANIELE MASCOLO
Why are you nicknamed the "President"?
Quite simply because one day, at the Milanello sports center, without realizing it, I parked my car in the place reserved for the CEO of the club!
And now my teammates, who saw the scene, started calling me that way.
It puts a good mood between us.
The arrival of Zlatan Ibrahimovic has really changed the soul of your team. What has the Swede brought to the group since returning to the club?
Certainly his experience.
He's someone who played in big clubs and won lots of trophies.
He has this ability to take the team on his shoulders, especially in difficult times, and show each of us what the right path is.
If against Inter, the referee whistles a penalty in your favor, who will take care of hitting it?
Zlatan remains the first choice, because for an attacker, a goal gives confidence.
Then, if he decides it's my turn to do it, then I'm absolutely ready.
See this post on Instagram
A publication shared by Franck Yannick Kessie (@franckkessie)
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