AC Milan manager Vincenzo Montella has explained his decision to start star forward Carlos Bacca on the bench for the club's 1-0 win at Sampdoria, insisting "everything is under control."
Bacca came on in the 64th minute and scored the winner 20 minutes from time to rescue Montella's side from a stubborn Sampdoria side.
Reports in Italy have suggested the Colombian striker has fallen out with the Italian boss. Speaking to Mediaset after the match, Montella said dropping Bacca was merely a consequence of his rotation policy.
🎙 @carlos7bacca to @MilanTV: "I am satisfied but there's still room for improvement" https://t.co/Y9QZkHZuvH pic.twitter.com/ggmZYjnS0T
- AC Milan (@acmilan) September 16, 2016
"Bacca? Everything was under control," Montella told Mediaset following the win at Stadio Luigi Ferraris.
"There was a normal rotation, we have three games in a week. Bacca came on with the right desire to help us win the match."
For his part, Bacca said he respected Montella's wishes and vowed to do his talking though his performances.
"I always look to be on the pitch, but I am a professional and I respect the coach's decision," Bacca said.
"I work for this, to be on the pitch. I thank God that I came on and scored the goal. I need to do my talking on the pitch."
Of the reported fallout with his coach, supposedly stemming from a lack of service from his teammates, Bacca said the issue has been solved.
"I've spoken to him and it's over now. I play with players who can play well. Today Suso gave me good service."
Milan's back line sat deeper than usual in the match -- a conscious decision that bore fruit for the Rossoneri club.
"We preferred not to stay high up because with the speed of attackers Samp have we were worried about staying too high up.
"Milan in the second half did a lot more to win. The temperament of the team pleased me a lot.
"It was a very difficult and very precious victory."