Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot has revealed that Ruben Amorim initially spoke Portuguese to the entire squad, catching a number of players off guard.
Amorim was appointed United head coach in November last year following Erik ten Hag’s sacking.
The former Sporting CP gaffer has endured a difficult start to life at Old Trafford, losing 10 of the 29 games he has overseen.
United are currently languishing in 13th position with eight Premier League games left to play. A top-half finish appears to be a tall order, and the Europa League remains the club’s only way of salvaging the campaign and in the process, qualify for the Champions League.
Dalot has been one of Amorim’s trusted lieutenants since he assumed control of the team and now, the full-back has opened up on life under his fellow countryman.
According to Dalot, Amorim initially found it difficult to switch from Portuguese to English while addressing his players.
Dalot told talkSPORT, “It was funny because sometimes he was so used to it in the beginning, to speak Portuguese, that he would start speaking Portuguese to all the players.”
“And the players were like: ‘Boss, come on, you’re speaking [Portuguese]’. And he was like: ‘Oh, sorry!’”
“And he started already with English, but it’s a normal adaptation, I’ve been there. When I arrived, it was exactly the same.”
“I think it [speaking English] was something that he obviously tried to make sure as soon as he arrived, to adapt really quick for everybody not to feel [left out]. Obviously sometimes it’s easier for him to communicate in Portuguese in the first few months.”
“But now I think it became completely normal for him to speak English.”
Dalot told talkSPORT that Amorim’s honesty is perhaps his best quality.
“I think it’s one of the best compliments that you can give about him, is that he’s really honest. I think you can see that when he speaks, he’s not trying to give the right answer. He just speaks from the heart. And it’s difficult for a manager to always be completely honest. But I think it’s something that since I’ve known him as a manager, he’s always been like that.”
Dalot continued, “And then, people will judge him by his words, by his actions. But that’s part of football. We, football players, will be judged by what we do on the pitch. So as a manager, you’re always exposed to that. But I think he’s a really good communicator, so he will be fine.”
The 26-year-old star emphasised that all the players feel Amorim’s impact and are fully behind him.
Featured image Gareth Copley via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
