Bayern Munich defender Dante has thanked manager Pep Guardiola for standing by him after he struggled recently in the Champions League.
The 31-year-old had been subjected to criticism of late following a string of disappointing results, including against FC Porto in the Champions League.
The Brazilian in fact was guilty of losing possession, thus allowing winger Ricardo Quaresma to capitalise on his mistake and score the Portuguese outfit's second goal in Bayern Munich's 3-1 loss in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final.
However, Dante's manager stood by him, defending him against criticism, even going to the extent of declaring that he would like "1,000 Dantes" in his team.
And the defender insists that the manager's show of faith was a huge boost for him, giving him that much needed mental strength at a time that he needed it most.
relatedNewsStory
Reflecting on the match against Porto, Dante told Sport1:"It wasn't easy after that mistake in Porto.
"That was my responsibility and it was really difficult for me psychologically."
It was the precise moment that Guardiola came in to support his player, the defender insists.
"He gave me strength.
"He could see that it wasn't easy for me. I'd played three good games in a row before and then this Porto game came. I was very, very disappointed because it was an important match.
"The coach helped me a lot and we talked about it. He knows that he can rely on me. That's the way things are in football.
"Sometimes these mistakes happen, but you've always got to fight together and remain positive. That's the only way you can help the team."
Don't bet on football until you've visited Inside Bet! Interesting markets, top tips, betting facts – get all the info before you bet.
