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Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot has said that he and his teammates have to suffer on a daily basis amidst the club’s struggles on the pitch and ongoing restructuring process.
United suffered their third loss in six Premier League matches last weekend, as they were convincingly beaten 0-3 by Tottenham Hotspur.
Like most of his teammates, Dalot was poor. In fact, a defensive lapse in the opening stages of the match saw the Portugal international leave Brennan Johnson unmarked at the back-post, with plenty of time and space to tap in a cross from Micky van de Ven.
United are currently in 13th position in the Premier League and there is renewed speculation over Ten Hag’s future at Old Trafford.
It’s understood that at the moment, Ten Hag retains the backing of club bosses but results and performances must improve, lest he is relieved of his duties.
Ahead of United’s Europa League clash vs. Porto, the club the Reds signed Dalot from in 2018, the full-back spoke to A’Bola and warned that there will be ups and downs along the way as the club seeks to return to the pinnacle of English and European football.
Dalot told the newspaper, “Consistency, in terms of results but also performance-wise, that’s what keeps clubs doing well for a long time. The more consistent we are in terms of results, attitude and everything related to playing football and being successful, the closer we will be to winning.
“I feel that there is a restructuring at the club, which is good, but during this process we have to suffer. It’s a daily job, we have to train well and recover well. There are ups and downs that football brings us, but the more balanced we are as a club and as athletes, the more successful we will be. That’s what the club is looking for at the moment.”
He added, “It is normal to go through a period of reflection and analyse what was done, good and bad. There is always a 24-hour period to switch off and start thinking about the next match. There are different matches and different opponents and we have to change the chip to be better physically and mentally.”
Last season, Dalot was voted player of the year by his teammates. He told A’Bola that he appreciates this recognition, while also opening up on the prospect of becoming captain at Old Trafford.
“It’s something that is within me, this ability to be among an important group of players in a squad. It’s something that will come naturally, but I want to help my teammates whenever I can.”
“I’m one of the oldest players in the squad and it’s part of having to convey the experience I have at the club. If it happens, I will be delighted.”
“It (the players’ player of the year award) was very special. All awards are important, but this one is special because it came from those who share every moment with me. They are my second family. I share the battlefield with them and that gives me confidence.”
The 25-year-old said that his desire is to consistently perform at the highest level throughout his career.
Feature image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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