Diogo Dalot explains what motivated him to choose Milan, the differences with Davide Calabria and how Stefano Pioli connects with his players.
The game with Spezia kicks off this evening at 19.45 GMT, click here for a match preview.
As Davide Calabria is suspended, it’s likely Dalot will start at right-back, in what will be his 17th competitive appearance since moving on loan from Manchester United.
Diogo Dalot explains what motivated him to choose Milan, the differences with Davide Calabria and how Stefano Pioli connects with his players.
The game with Spezia kicks off this evening at 19.45 GMT, click here for a match preview.
As Davide Calabria is suspended, it’s likely Dalot will start at right-back, in what will be his 17th competitive appearance since moving on loan from Manchester United.
“When I accepted the Milan proposal, my objective was just to feel the smell the grass again, as I wanted to get back to being a player after three years of injuries,” Dalot told La Gazzetta dello Sport magazine Sportweek.
“I wanted to prove with daily work in training that I deserve to play and I think I achieved that. Pioli wants balance from his full-backs, so the ability to defend and also push forward. Perhaps I am a little more attack-minded than Calabria, but it’s a resource for the team to have different characteristics.”
Milan are top of the Serie A table and Dalot has been very impressed with coach Pioli.
“I like the way he communicates with players, making each of them feel special, whether they play every game or just once a month. He’s doing a fantastic job and the Serie A table speaks for him.
“It’s natural when we have this many points and have winners in the squad or staff like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Daniele Bonera or Dida, that we will start to believe in our Scudetto chances. If we maintain the right balance, then I’m convinced we’ll challenge to the end for the title.
“At Milan, it feels like the squad and the coaching staff are all part of the same unit.”
The Rossoneri are also in the Europa League Round of 32, where they will face Red Star Belgrade.
“We must respect Red Star, as just wearing the Milan badge on our chests is not enough to guarantee victory. They are a dangerous opponent, even if playing without a full crowd is undoubtedly damaging to them.”