AC Milan striker Alexandre Pato has complained of a lack of communication with coach Massimiliano Allegri.
"[Former coach Carlo] Ancelotti would come to me and explain what I had to do on the field of play," Pato told Il Corriere dello Sport. "Allegri should do the same, he should tell me what aspects of my game I should improve."
The Brazilian attacker has endured an injury-blighted 2011, with eight injuries during the course of the year greatly restricting his role in the squad.
Milan's interest in Carlos Tevez as a replacement for the recovering Antonio Cassano has fueled talk that Pato may be on his way out of the club in January, as the Brazilian has been criticized for his form since returning from his latest injury.
Allegri urged Pato on Monday to return to his best shape, but the the 22-year-old has requested more guidance from the coach.
"I do not want to judge what he told the press, because he is my coach and I have to respect it," he said. "It is true that I have to improve, but so do my teammates. Every day you can do something more or learn something new."
Despite being plagued by several injuries over the last 12 months, Pato declared himself happy with his own achievements throughout the year.
"2011 was positive, for sure," Pato said. "Milan won the Scudetto and the Supercoppa, while I scored important goals and gave my contributions to these successes.
"I can say that I am satisfied. The downside to it were the injuries."
The Brazil international went on to declare that he would not fear for his place if Milan sign Tevez in January.
"Allegri said it, right?," Pato asked, when quizzed if Milan would have the best attack in the game if the Argentine were to arrive at San Siro.
"Well, I am convinced that, with or without Tevez, we will all give our best to go as far as possible in every competition.
Pato has scored three goals in 12 appearances for Milan so far this term.
