As part of the announcement of the new Milan coach, Zlatan Ibrahimovic spoke for the first time in his new role at the Rossoneri on Thursday. The Swede answered the journalists’ questions in his usual direct manner
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a man of big words. He was as a player – and unsurprisingly, he is in his new role as Senior Advisor. On Thursday afternoon, the 42-year-old spoke to the Italian press for the first time and answered questions directed at him in his usual unequivocal manner.
Ibrahimovic has recently joined Milan as a senior advisor, working closely with US investor Gerry Cardinale. The former world-class striker says of the new owner: “He’s a winner, he’s ambitious like me. He wants to create a project that can work now and in the long term. I told him: ‘I’m the right man for you’. “
Clear idea behind Fonseca’s commitment
Unlike sometimes as a player, Ibrahimovic is not interested in a “one-man show”. It “only works together” with all those responsible for the sport. One of the first decisions to which this applies is the installation of coach Paulo Fonseca as Stefano Pioli’s successor.
“It was a well-considered and thought-out decision,” says Ibrahimovic with conviction: “We want Milan to play dominant soccer. We studied how he trains, how he prepares the games. After five years, we needed something new. Fonseca is the right man, we believe in him.”
There had already been a “daily” exchange between “Ibra” and Fonseca in the past few days. “We discuss strategy, including the U23s, which must be linked to the first team. He has his wishes, he wants to improve the team. “
A new number 9 is at the top of the wish list
Ibrahimovic wants to offer the new Milan coach “the best conditions”. Starting with the squad: “The next step is to strengthen the team in order to become more competitive. We want to win trophies, in Italy and in Europe. Milan don’t win, Milan make history. We are not satisfied with last season, we agree with the fans. We want more. We can’t set ourselves any limits. “
19 points behind city rivals and champions Inter, which was still easily enough to finish runners-up, was not just too much for Ibrahimovic. One of the most important transfer targets: “After the departure of Giroud, we need a new number 9. There is Jovic, but we are looking for a new striker.”
Ibrahimovic did not want to deny that the Rossoneri have a promising candidate on their books in Joshua Zirkzee. “Zirkzee is a strong player, he’s had a great season. He comes from the Dutch school.” Is he the rightful successor to Ibrahimovic as a striker? “I don’t want to make any comparisons. There is a big difference between the reality and what is said and written,” the new senior advisor clarified.
“Maignan, Theo and Rafael Leao are staying “
However, Milan have no intention of letting go of top performers. Ibrahimovic made an immediate announcement regarding three absolute pillars of the team: “Maignan, Theo and Rafael Leao are staying. They have contracts with us and are happy. We don’t have to sell anyone. Instead, we have the opportunity to bring in strong players.”
The search for an enforcer is a top priority, as Ibrahimovic reiterated several times. He also made it clear: “The profile of the player is important to us. A player can be the strongest in the world, but if he doesn’t have our profile, he’s no good for us. “
