AC Milan defender Simon Kjaer is enjoying his football under coach Stefano Pioli.

The Dane is firmly a first-choice for Pioli this season.

“My history is pretty clear, I need to feel there is confidence in me and have always repaid coaches who gave me consistent playing time," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“The good thing about Pioli is that he listens to his players when they have concerns and wants to find the ideal solution for them.

"He makes the ultimate decisions, but there is at least dialogue, and that makes him the perfect coach for me."

He added: “Paolo Maldini and Frederic Massara brought me to Milan in order to have a voice in the dressing room. I arrived in a complicated moment for Milan, but despite the criticism that was raining down on us, I knew there was quality in these players. Now the situation has changed completely, there are good results and enthusiasm, but we must remember it doesn't take much to slide back down. This group has shown maturity and we will try to get Milan back where they belong."