29 March 2016
With eight league games remaining and a Coppa Italia final pencilled in for 21 May in Rome, the objective for Kwadwo Asamoah this term could not be clearer: to help the Bianconeri claim a second consecutive domestic double.
Speaking before the Sky Sport cameras on Tuesday, the Ghanaian began: “We’ve managed to put together a great run of results after a poor start to the season and now we simply can’t throw away all of our hard work.
“In the end, the only thing that matters is who sits on top by the end of the season and so we all need to put in a big final push in these eight Serie A matches coming up. They will all be difficult and we need to win at least seven of them in order to lift the Scudetto, but we’re ready. Our aim is to secure another league and cup double. While it won’t be easy to repeat last year’s achievements, we’ll do everything possible to make sure we do.”
More than capable of playing out on the wing, when necessary at full-back and even in behind the two strikers for the Ghanaian national team, versatility certainly counts among one of Asamoah’s many strengths.
Since returning from a year-long layoff from injury, Massimiliano Allegri has fielded the 27-year-old also as an inside midfielder, occasionally giving Paul Pogba the chance to take a rare rest from a busy fixture list.
“I feel comfortable in several positions, but obviously after my injury I need a bit of time to reach peak condition again.
“Paul has grown a lot in recent years and is now one of the best players in the world. He makes the difference, he’s a complete midfielder and it’s a pleasure to watch him in action.”
Even if the season has been one spent largely on working to reach full fitness, Asamoah nonetheless brought up his 100th appearance for the Bianconeri in the 1-0 win over Sassuolo registered earlier this month.
“It’s an achievement that I’m proud of, which doesn’t happen to many,” he said about reaching the milestone. “My favourite memory? Our victory against Fiorentina two years ago. To this day I still ask myself just how I scored that goal.”
Wrapping up the interview, Asamoah stressed that all members of Allegri’s squad have the opportunity to contribute to the side’s success, regardless of how much game time they are afforded.
He concluded: “I’m happy if the team wins even if I’m playing less, but I always look to give 100% when called upon. It’s important to bear in mind that, when you come off the bench, only five minutes can make the difference. Take the example of the game against Napoli. (Simone) Zaza was subbed on, played well and scored the decisive goal. This is one of our main strengths as a team.”
