Crystal Palace

Bakary Sako: 'Roy Hodgson key in converting me to striker role'

By Giuseppe Labellarte, Reporter | 27 December 2017

Crystal Palace winger Bakary Sako insists that manager Roy Hodgson has helped him successfully transition into his new role as a striker.

Bakary Sako has credited Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson with helping him successfully transition into his new striker's role.

Traditionally a winger, the 29-year-old has scored two goals in his last three Premier League appearances having moved into a centre-forward position.

The Mali international is pleased to have forced himself into the Eagles' starting XI and praised Hodgson for helping him find his feet up front.

"I was not used to playing as a striker but under Roy Hodgson I have learned a lot and have been delighted to have the chance to play there. I am getting used to what is expected in that role," Sako told the club's official website.

"He has spoken to me about the importance of the movement, what is expected of me in different areas and I am learning all the time and obviously it has been good to have scored a couple of goals whilst playing there.

"The manager has got loads of experience and that is why it is so good to pick all that up from him when he puts across his instructions to you and he has helped me so much since he has come in.

"He is a manager who is really focused on what he wants so on the training pitch as a squad we keep working on different methods until we get it right and that must continue for us to succeed."

Hodgson has overseen a revival at Palace, who were previously pointless and goalless well into October but now sit 16th in the table.