Manchester United’s right-back, Diogo Dalot, has disclosed the adjustments in his preparation that have enabled him to consistently deliver elite-class performances for the Reds.

Dalot has appeared for MU 27 times, scoring 1 goal and 2 assists. This season he has been more impressive in defense. Dalot’s 1v1 marking and interception abilities have improved significantly.

Not only that, the ability to keep the ball, escape pressing and build up from home also helps Dalot always occupy an important position in coach Erik Ten Hag’s system.

He took part in our latest Fans’ Q&A and, when asked for the secret behind his impressive run of form, the defender provided a detailed response which included a change in his pre-match routine – having a coffee and a chat with team mates.

“Since I started playing professional football, I always try to keep my routine,” he told us. “Not just mentally but physically as well, to be able to be at my best level to perform. Especially last season and this season, I’ve been stepping up my level in terms of preparing for training and for games.

A little coffee cup before the match

“Whether it’s nutrition, sleeping or whether it’s beats [music] before and after training, I would say this has been my biggest support outside of the pitch for me to be able to perform on the pitch. I always try to keep my routines there so I can be completely ready to play.”

When it comes to particular rituals and routines aimed at maintaining unwavering focus on the task at hand, Diogo prefers to maintain a relaxed demeanor in the lead-up to games, particularly during downtime at the team hotel.

“I mean every player has their superstitions,” he said. “To be honest, I don’t have many so now I always, and it’s a fun story, before the games, when we’re at the hotel, I’ve drink my coffee with Cristiano Ronaldo but now is with Bruno Fernandes.

“It’s been a routine now. He actually dragged me into the coffee because I was not a big fan of coffee but now I’ve started doing that. Just to talk a little bit. Sometimes we have too much time in the hotel, so we get out of the room, just to talk a little bit and try to focus on the game.

“Obviously, I hear my music, do my preparations, whether it’s massages or it’s mobility work or stretches, and then be ready for the game.”

Ronaldo is the one who brought Dalot to Coffee