As a player, Zlatan Ibrahimović was never one to mince words. Even after his playing career, his charisma remains intact, though results are lacking for Milan. However, it’s debatable how much of the blame can be placed on the Swede, as his role at San Siro isn’t clearly defined. He arrived to act as an advisor to Gerry Cardinale and serves in a consulting capacity on Milan’s board of directors. Yet, this third stint at San Siro hasn’t been as fruitful as the previous ones. The Rossoneri are far from contending for the Scudetto, and their performances this season have been underwhelming. Ibrahimović and his colleagues will need to make significant changes in the upcoming transfer windows.🗣️ Fikayo Tomori on Zlatan Ibrahimovic: “What you see in the media is him, it’s not an act. He is the most demanding person I’ve come across.”🎥 Watch the full interview on @itvfootball: https://t.co/DOUGSuWP1bpic.twitter.com/zsumxhvUQH— Milan Matters (@MilanMatters) December 4, 2024 However, one thing about him remains unchanged—his stance on coaching. He doesn’t even consider it an option.”At the moment, that’s how I feel. I don’t want to be a coach because it’s too much work for me. You have to cover so many areas, find ideas and solutions, prepare and follow matches, as well as training sessions. You work day and night. If I worked as a coach for a year, it would feel like I’d worked ten. So, it doesn’t appeal to me” Ibrahimović told Sports Illustrated.Life of Zlatan – from real life to a book to a movieAlthough it’s often said that young players today are different from those of a decade or two ago—less receptive to criticism and less willing to take advice—the Swede disagrees. He insists that little to nothing has changed in that regard.”If we go back ten years, people probably said the same thing: ‘The new generation doesn’t listen to the old generation.’ And if you look back 20 years, it’d be the same. Young players need to have confidence, but also the mentality to go their own way. You can’t take away their character, ambition, or vision. They must be allowed to live their lives. Of course, they need to learn, and I see that as my job: to guide them on the right path as a leader with experience” he said.AC Milan set to tie their Reijn-manHe also touched on football’s evolution and the loss of freedom due to tactical strategies imposed by coaches.”It’s less about football and more about the coaches. Many have a philosophy and style of play, which makes some players less significant because they’re forced into tactical roles. A coach’s philosophy is important for managing a team. But I believe a player’s individuality is just as, if not more, important for the team. Players should step onto the field and make a difference. Overall, I don’t think football is becoming boring. On the contrary, I feel it’s continuing to grow.”Arrogant Ibra: ‘I am the lion‘Many compare Erling Haaland to Zlatan Ibrahimović, but the Milan official doesn’t think such parallels should be drawn.”Maybe because of the ponytail” Zlatan said with a smile before continuing in a more serious tone. “I don’t like comparing players because everyone has their own path and story to write. My era was my era, and I played my way. Now it’s his era, and he’s playing his way. So, there can’t be a ‘new Zlatan.’ I’ve done my part. Erling Haaland is an excellent player and is doing a fantastic job.”He is on 4 million euros per year and training alone: Origi is somewhere in ItalyIn his typical half-serious, half-joking manner, Ibrahimović also spoke about German football and Bayern Munich.”Football in Germany is extraordinary. I love the stadiums there because they’re always sold out. I’m sure it’s not bad to play for a club like Bayern, considering its history and the players it has. For me, Bayern is one of the five biggest clubs in the world. I admire the German national team and German football in general,” Ibrahimović said before ending with a lighthearted comment: “They couldn’t afford me. I‘m jocking, there was never an opportunity to move there. It would’ve been nice, but fate had other plans for me” he said.SERIE A – MATCHDAY 15Friday Inter – Parma 3-1 (1-0)/Dimarco 40, Barella 56, Thuram 67 – Darmian 81 og/Atalanta – Milan 2-1 (1-1)/De Ketelaere 12, Lookman 87 – Morata 22/Saturday 17.00: (2.50) Genoa (3.20) Torino (3.20)20.00: (1.75) Juventus (3.60) Bologna (5.60)22.45: (1.60) Roma (3.90) Lecce (7.00)Sunday 14.30: (1.52) Fiorentina (4.20) Cagliari (6.25)17.00: (2.60) Verona (3.15) Empoli (3.10)20.00: (2.85) Venezia (3.30) Como (2.70)22.45: (1.90) Napoli (3.60) Lazio (4.50)Monday 22.45: (2.70) Monza (3.00) Udinese (2.90)***odds are subject to change***
