Zlatan Ibrahimovic spoke to the media ahead of AC Milan’s game against Liverpool and shared his thoughts on his role, the Liverpool game and the Rossoneri’s situation. In a feisty mood, he aimed digs at Zvone Boban and a Swedish journalist.
It’s a big game for Milan tonight and manager Paulo Fonseca has made three changes to the starting XI. With Inter up at the weekend, the Rossoneri need to send a signal tonight and just like the players, the club consultant Ibrahimovic is also under pressure.
Speaking to Viaplay ahead of the game, the former striker was asked about his role at the club, what it feels to be on the sidelines on a night like this, and if money was important in deciding to return. As for the latter, he made it very clear that it wasn’t the case.
How does it feel to be on the sidelines and not on the pitch?
“I have gotten used to it, since my new role this is the first Champions League game. It feels good, I’m loaded, I’m focused and I’m working.”
What exactly is your new role?
“Everyone talks about the role. I’ve tried to explain before, I’m the boss and everyone works for me.”
On the start of the season…
“It’s not the start we had hoped for, but there is a lot of new stuff. New manager, new players. After four years with the same manager, they need to get used to a new system. With patience, it will come.”
What is the goal for this season?
“Our ambition is to win, we are playing for trophies and we will do everything to get there. But we won’t take anything for granted, we take it one day at a time. We want to win today and tomorrow, not just today.”
Why did you decide to return?
“I got a good offer which I couldn’t say no to. Money? No no, do I need money? Why are we talking about that? A good offer can mean many different things, it doesn’t have to do with money…”
On the Liverpool game…
“I think it will be a good game, I’m hoping for that anyway. It’s a tough week that awaits us, first Liverpool and then Inter. Now the players have to show who they are, and what we are about.”
Boban: “Nobody understood, to be honest.”
Ibrahimovic: “I’ll explain now: I’m in charge, I’m the boss and everyone works for me. We work in silence.”
Were you in for Victor Osimhen?
“I’m silent.”
Questions have continuously been asked about Zlatan Ibrahimovic, his role, and his importance to AC Milan. However, on the eve of the Rossoneri’s clash against Liverpool, he perhaps offered the most important sign of his role.
Since his return, the questions about Zlatan have come in bucketloads. No one was quite sure about what his role would entail when he arrived, and even now, there are still some questions about the specifics of his role.
He played a large part in the mercato, and in some instances, it seemed like he was the decision maker and not Cardinale. This is, of course, understandable in some capacities because of his experience in football. However, it is a large risk to have that level of control, if things do not work out.
Nevertheless, his biggest role may not be as an advisor, or at least in the way that it was once described.
Yesterday, Ibrahimovic was present at Milanello, and Gianluca Di Marzio took the opportunity to speak about his impact at the club on Sky Sports – his words have been relayed by Radio Rossonera.
“Ibrahimovic is the image of this finish, his absence after the transfer market made a lot of noise, an absence of 17 days if I’m not mistaken. Even if he doesn’t have a specific role in Milan, he’s a property consultant.
“Surely in difficult times his presence is invoked by everyone and seeing him in Milanello is important. Fonseca and all the players went to greet him and shake his hand: his charisma and leadership make the difference on the eve of such an important match.”
Di Marzio is, therefore, suggesting that the biggest part of his role is not the mercato or management tasks, but rather a presence and reminder of the expectations that playing for Milan brings. An advisor for players when needed, and before the Liverpool clash, they need it.
However, while some fans appreciate Ibrahimovic’s presence and leadership, others are not convinced by his role and its impact. Some feel that he is simply a PR tool for the club and that his influence is overstated. Others believe that he is actually hindering the team’s progress.
“He’s our own Ronald McDonald,” one fan commented. “A mascot and distraction for fans and media, nothing more, nothing less.”
While it’s still early to determine the true impact of Ibrahimovic’s return, it’s clear that his presence has generated a lot of discussion and debate. Only time will tell whether he can help guide AC Milan back to the top of the Serie A and the Champions League.
The former Swedish ace has been speaking to the media ahead of tonight's Champions League clash between AC Milan and the Reds at the San Siro, where he is currently senior adviser
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is pleased for his son after playing against Liverpool for the U19s on Tuesday.
Maximilian, 17, has followed in his father's footsteps but has taken a slightly different route in terms of position, primarily operating as a left-winger as opposed to a striker like Zlatan. Nonetheless, his performances have clearly been enough to see him rewarded with a long-term deal.
In fact, Maximilian already has three goals in four games for Milan's Under-20 side this season and played a part in the 0-0 draw with Liverpool in the UEFA Youth League earlier today - where his father was watching on with a very keen eye.
“Yes, he almost scored today. They played 0-0 so I'm happy for him,” Ibrahimiovic said. “He needs to work. It's not easy because of who I am. But he's strong and I push as a father. It's the only thing I can do. Then I judge him in my role, like every other player. But even for me, he needs to show himself.”
Last season, Maximilian found the net on three occasions in 29 appearances for Milan's U18's, although he is yet to make his senior bow for the Rossoneri. However, with Paulo Fonseca's side winning just one of its four Serie A games so far this season, his chance to shine may come sooner than expected.
At just 17, though, he has plenty of room to grow and improve, so a first-team debut may still be a way off, but with a dad in Zlatan, there is every reason to believe he can reach those high levels required to break into the senior squad.
