El Shaarawy: Allegri's faith key to my form

Nov 23, 2012 3:45:00 PM

The Rossoneri forward has hailed his coach's influence on his recent hot streak, and revealed that Silvio Berlusconi had joked with him about his haircut

AC Milan striker Stephan El Shaarawy believes that the approval of coach Massimiliano Allegri is one of the most important factors behind his run of good form.

The youngster has scored 10 goals during his 13 Serie A appearances for the Rossoneri this season, and is adamant this return is due to his mentor's faith in his ability.

“I didn't start the season well,” the 20-year-old told La Repubblica. "However, Allegri still showed great faith in me and that was very important.

“Allegri asks me to perform well, he doesn't ask me for goals. Helping the side defend is a sacrifice that is eventually repaid and it’s no coincidence that the goals have arrived.

“It’s very satisfying to have scored these goals by November and I just want to do well for Milan. This is a fantastic period for me, but I have to continue on this road.”

He then revealed that club president Silvio Berlusconi promised him that he could keep his signature mohican if his current hot streak continues.

“He told me that I can keep my haircut if I keep scoring,” the Italy international continued. “Anyhow, all I’m thinking about now is the game against Juventus.”

Milan currently sit 12th and are preparing for the clash against table-toppers Juventus on November 25.

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German giants Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund will battle it out at Wembley for European glory. Get involved by sending us your thoughts via Twitter or Facebook! Hosted by Mark Doyle.

8:11 PM BST

More from our man about the town, Jay Jaffa:

"I would say it was an even battle between both sets of supporters outside Wembley but Dortmund are definitely edging it in the pub I'm in. The streets of central London are quieter than usual and every bar I walked past is spilling out onto the road. London is at a standstill.

8:10 PM BST

Reus is involved again, drawing another decent stop out of Neur. Early days, of course, but Bayern look like they might bottle another final! Die Roten fan Tobias is somewhat concerned - but feels Dortmund will pay for their profligacy.

"It is a match where every situation feels like the decisive one. Our start is certainly not good, with Dortmund putting lots of pressure on us. Maybe that was unexpected.

"But look at the bright side: A team that did not convert one of three chances against us probably won't win. We do not give away way more chances than that."

8:04 PM BST

TERRIFIC STOP FROM NEUER! Just moments after a corner forced by a long-range strike from Lewandowski, Gundogan angles the ball wide to Reus, who picks out Blaszczykowski at the near post. The latter connects with the cross first time, but Neur is equal to it. That was a fine reaction save, but Dortmund should be ahead. And you know what, Dortmund deserve to be ahead. We're 15 minutes in but Bayern haven't started yet.

7:59 PM BST

Nothing to get too excited about just yet from a Dortmund perspective, but they are looking more purposeful than their heavily-fancied opponents, and Blaszczykowski has just had the first real shot in anger. It was a dreadful attempt, to be fair, but there's no denying that Dortmund have demonstrated the greater attacking intent thus far.

7:53 PM BST

Bit of a cagey opening at Wembley. Hardly surprising, of course. Familiarity breeds contempt, as these two have shown in recent years, but it also breeds caution and it is worth remembering that both of their Bundesliga meetings this seasoned ended all-square.

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