“Pioli makes each of them feel special” - Dalot

As 

Davide Calabria

is spending his suspension, it is expected of

Diogo Dalot

to start at right-back, which is going to be his 17th outing since he joined

on a loan deal from

.

“

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 said.

“

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 leading the

table and coach

Stefano Pioli

’s ploy and connection with his players has impressed Dalot.

“

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.”

Milan have also reserved themselves a spot in the Europa League Round of 32, and they are preparing to go against 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.”

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