Fiorentina forward Dusan Vlahovic said Milan coach Stefano Pioli was ‘like a father’ as he looks forward to a ‘fascinating game’ against the Rossoneri.
The Viola striker had only scored once until he converted a penalty against Sassuolo on December 16, and since that turning point he has added another 10 to take his totally tally to 12 in 26 Serie A games.
“It weighed a lot, even for me,” Vlahovic told Il Corriere dello Sport. “But at the same time the penalty gave me the opportunity to breathe.
Fiorentina forward Dusan Vlahovic said Milan coach Stefano Pioli was ‘like a father’ as he looks forward to a ‘fascinating game’ against the Rossoneri.
The Viola striker had only scored once until he converted a penalty against Sassuolo on December 16, and since that turning point he has added another 10 to take his totally tally to 12 in 26 Serie A games.
“It weighed a lot, even for me,” Vlahovic told Il Corriere dello Sport. “But at the same time the penalty gave me the opportunity to breathe.
“It was like a breath of fresh air; it gave me life. From that moment it became easier, it took a lot of weight off. I worked harder every day with the coach and my teammates.”
The 21-year-old has been compared to Milan forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
“I never liked comparisons,” he added. “Let’s be clear, it’s an honour to be compared to Zlatan, it also gives you a dose of responsibility.
"But there’s also the risk of getting burnt. In football, as in life, you need humility, a spirit of sacrifice, a willingness to listen to everyone, especially those who can give advice and suggestions.
“Then it’s up to you to remain yourself.”
Vlahovic praised veteran Franck Ribery and admitted the French winger has given him useful advice during their time together in Florence.
“Post-lockdown he arrived at the sports centre at least two hours before the call-up,” he said. If he does it, who is almost 38 years old and has won everything a football can only imagine, I can never sleep.
“It’s a luxury that I don’t want to give myself. He gave me a lot of practical advice on the pitch from the start, but he also helped me off it.
“When I was down, he spoke to me and told me to never give up. That’s how I understood what it means to be a champion on the pitch and in life.”
The Serbian forward has been linked with the giants in Italy in recent months, but he stressed he enjoys life at Fiorentina.
“I have a contract with Fiorentina until 2023,” he said. “I feel great in Florence, they love me.
“I arrived as a kid and I have become a man. There will be time and way, later on, to talk.
“Right now, I’m focused on the 11 finals awaiting us. We also have to score points for the President.
“He has an incredible passion for football. I have not forgotten that after having dribbled with him, I started scoring continuously,” Vlahovic joked.
This weekend the Viola host Milan at the Artemio Franchi.
“Everyone studies the football that Milan play, but these are the most fascinating games,” he said. “We can’t wait and, above all, we won’t let our guard down.
“I won’t be distracted by anything. The past, the hat-trick included, doesn’t count anymore. You must look ahead, only think about improving.
“Now, the only thing that matters is to do well on Sunday. We are all aware of that.”
Former Fiorentina coach Stefano Pioli returns to the Artemio Franchi and Vlahovic wishes the Rossoneri coach all the best.
“He’s a great coach and I hope he gets as far as possible in the Europa League,” he said. “He has done excellent things in the League too, it’s not coincidence that he’s fighting for the Scudetto.
“But he’s also a person of the highest human depth. When I arrived in Florence, Davide’s tragedy had just happened.
“Pioli was with us players, he was like a father.”