Right now only AC Milan counts- Gennaro Gattuso on row with Bakayako

The French midfielder is set to start against Fiorentina despite the verbal argument with the manager.

A tussle between the Chelsea loanee and Gennaro Gattuso ensued after the latter asked the midfielder to sub in for the injured Lucas Biglia in A.C. Milan's 2-0 win against Bologna.

They had engaged in a heated verbal exchange when the player was asked to warm up but Gattuso had decided to go with Jose Mauri on the field instead. The manager claims that he had taken this decision because Tiemoue Bakayako was taking too much time to get ready.

However, Bakayako alleges that he only repeated Gauttso's words. He later said through social media,

“By starting on the bench I was ready to give myself 200% even if I only had to play 5 minutes tonight. When Lucas started to suffer on the ground, I was asked to prepare myself in case there was a change. So I prepared myself immediately and I went to warm up for 2/3 minutes maximum."

“Then I am asked to return to the bench. Everything passes I think between [minutes] 23‘ and 26’. It’s when I sit down on the bench that the coach talks to me in unexpected terms and I just repeat his words. Nothing more."

Tiemoue Bakayoko will not be redeemed from Chelsea. Milan is no longer convinced to sign him outright, just as the player is now no longer convinced to stay at the club. He will return to Chelsea.- CalcioMercato pic.twitter.com/XE1Biu2NYv

— Simon Phillips (@SiPhillipsSport) May 8, 2019

Things look clear between the individuals ahead of the clash against Fiorentina. Gattuso has prioritized Champions League qualification over anything else and said,

"Right now only AC Milan counts."

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Gattuso would have to count and utilize the physical strength and character of Bakayako to qualify for UCL in the following few weeks. The 24-year-old had been crucial for Milan this season and was instrumental for their 3rd position standing.

However, it's not expected of Bakayako to continue at the Italian side next season as he would return back to his home club in Stamford who are currently under a transfer ban.