Express & Star

Bakary Sako praises Wolves boss Kenny Jackett as he chases Premier League dream

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Wolves winger Bakary Sako today declared he still wants to realise his Premier League ambition – but remains open-minded on his future.

The 25-year-old wideman, currently out with a toe injury after scoring 11 goals this season, has 14 months left on his Molineux contract.

Sako's performances since the arrival of fellow Frenchman Nouha Dicko in January suggest he is settled again after Wolves rejected a series of bids from Nottingham Forest in the August transfer window.

And, while he would consider offers in the summer, any potential move would have to be right for him and Wolves.

"My objective is to play in the Premier League," said Sako.

"I have one year left on my contract and we'll see if something comes up which satisfies me and the club.

"If it does, OK, but if not I have another year.

"When I joined I hadn't really heard about Wolves' history, but I knew the club because I'd heard talk about them when they were in the Premier League – and they had a few French players.

"They had a project that impressed me and that's why I signed. Unfortunately we were relegated."

Whatever happens, Sako wants to continue his career in England after settling in well.

"I want to stay in England because the mentality here is really good," he said.

"People don't judge you - you can do what you like, dress how you like."

Despite the drop to the third tier, Sako insists he has no regrets about staying at Molineux this season.

"I don't think it was too bad to stay because we're doing well," he said.

"We want to put the club back where it belongs, because it's a very big club, and we're doing everything to win promotion.

"I've managed to play well, score goals and help set up goals for my team-mates. So it's going well."

Sako believes the difference this season has been the improved team spirit, and the organisation and man-management of head coach Kenny Jackett.

"I'd say the difference is a better team spirit," he said.

"There are a lot of new players with a new mentality and who have adapted well.

"Also the arrival of Kenny Jackett. He's instilled a winning mentality and a very positive mindset.

"He's a very good person. He's been really very open with me.

"If something needs to be said he's not afraid to say it, and I can speak to him openly so we get on well."