Kolarov relishing battle as he demands improvement over remainder of season

The Serbian full-back has been an almost ever-present since joining the Giallorossi in the summer of 2017, and has already surpassed 70 appearances for the club. But, despite that record and a number of important goals already to his name, he insists he does not feel one of the key men in the dressing room.

“Honestly, I don’t feel like a ‘leader’ here,” Kolarov told the club’s match programme.

“When I arrived I immediately felt comfortable with some of the guys that have been here for years – Daniele [De Rossi], Edin [Dzeko]. I followed their lead, in the changing room and out on the pitch.

“I am a slightly strange character, perhaps, but I like to play and ‘fight’ alongside the other guys – especially at my age, to try and show what I can still do. But perhaps I do feel like an important player in the dressing room, that is true.”

Nevertheless, Kolarov knows exactly what is expected of the squad over the remainder of the current campaign.

“The league table looks better for us than it was a month ago, before Christmas,” he said.

“We need to keep pushing on and win the games we know we should. Our task is to have a second half of the season better than the first – and win the big games against our direct rivals. If we do that, we will reach our objectives.

“Last year we conceded few goals, but perhaps this year we have scored more – if you aren’t conceding that is better, of course, but for me it’s fine if you are winning 6-2 instead. The team has a very attacking style, always high up the pitch, so occasionally you are going to suffer if you make a few individual mistakes – but I like our mentality.”

As one of the senior members of the squad, Kolarov is aware he has a responsibility to help some of the young and developing talents within the group.

“Cengiz is one of the players the fans are already expecting a bit more from – he is a great player and no-one thinks about his age any more,” he said.

“Lorenzo Pellegrini is imposing himself more. And then there is also Luca Pellegrini, who hasn’t played a lot yet but I think has the makings of a great player.

"Those guys need to be given a hand at times, but equally they need to be allowed to improve at their own speed. Us older players can help then with that, help them to play with less pressure on them.”