AC Milan midfielder Michael Essien is confident that Filippo Inzaghi has what it takes to succeed as coach and feels Fernando Torres will be a big hit in Serie A.
The Rossoneri are looking to banish memories of a disappointing campaign last season, which only yielded an eighth-placed finish. Essien has backed 41-year-old former striker Inzaghi, who took over as coach in June, to deliver.
“He’s a good person first and foremost and is doing a good job as a coach too,” Essien told FIFA.com.
“He’s relatively young as a full-time Serie A coach but I have no doubt he’ll do well if he carries on in this way.
“It’s not easy to coach and manage football clubs, let alone a great club like Milan, so I have a lot of respect for him for taking up the challenge and he is giving it everything he has.”
Essien, who is currently out injured believes that absence from the Champions League will prove beneficial for the club.
“Not being in Europe doesn’t automatically mean you’ll do well,” the player continued. “It means fewer games and good recovery times compared to those in Europe but we still have to work hard and take our opportunities as they come throughout the season.”
He is also confident that Fernando Torres will do well at Milan after the 30-year-old striker opened his Milan account in the 2-2 draw with Empoli on Tuesday.
“I am convinced we’ll see lots of goals from Fernando,” Essien said.
“I really hope he does well for Milan and for himself because he’s a top striker and we’ll benefit from his goals.
“He’s a hard worker both in games and in training and that can also serve him well at Milan. One thing Milan can expect to see is 100 per cent all the time from him.”
