Towards the end of last year, Zlatan Ibrahimovic began his new role back at AC Milan as a Senior Advisor to the ownership group. After some initial mystery, his daily duties are becoming clearer.
As La Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below) writes this morning, Ibrahimovic’s surprise guest appearance at the Sanremo Festival last night has some similarities to the stage he has at Milan, given that stars are born and offers are made.
Ibra has been in his new role as an advisor to Milan for the ownership for a couple of months now, hired by Gerry Cardinale himself. A super consultant with all-round skills moves between the team and the owners.
Is today’s Ibra a prototype of a manager of the future? We’ll see. What is certain is that his impact on Milan is already being felt. In all corners of the club.
The extra man
Even if his role does not involve daily commitments at Milanello, Ibra is an almost permanent presence in the Rossoneri’s training complex. He attends training together with the CEO Giorgio Furlani, plus directors Geoffrey Moncada and Antonio D’Ottavio.
He talks with Pioli and the coaching staff a lot, as well as with the squad, especially if the situation requires it. The Swede’s return to Milan took place during a delicate moment for the team after all, Zlatan immediately tried to help the group recover.
Olivier Giroud explained to La Gazzetta that his former strike partner is the bridge between RedBird Capital and the team.
“He connects us with the ownership without overlapping with Pioli. He is here to help, especially on mental approach and motivation. He talks to me before and during the games, at half-time, he encourages me to be more of a leader,” he said.
Leao said that the Swede’s presence multiplies the energy: “With him we are one more.” For Rafa and for many former team-mates, Ibra has always been an example to follow in every aspect, from physical care to determination on the pitch.
Today Zlatan still has an impact because he is a sort of tutor for the players, obviously including the latest arrivals. Take Luka Jovic for example: his take-off coincided with the return of Ibra.
Ibra speaks his mind, and not only behind the scenes as the endorsement of Pioli in recent days showed: “He is our coach and we are happy with him.” That came at a time when rumours were swirling about Antonio Conte.
Away from the field
His word also counts in other sectors. Ibrahimovic does not have an office at Casa Milan, but the doors of the headquarters are always open for him.
There Zlatan interacts with almost all areas of the club. While his involvement in commercial and marketing operations grows more and more: his is a precious point of view also in this sense.
Moreover, it was clear that his range of action would be broad from the note with which his big return was announced.
That statement read: ‘His mandate will also include the promotion of AC Milan’s global brand and commercial interests and support for special projects. of strategic importance, including the new stadium’. In short, anyone who thought of him as a simple ambassador was off the mark.
Today, at 18:30 CET, the fourth shirt will be presented which will debut on Sunday against Napoli. If Ibra were to take part in the event, he would certainly not do so as a pure figurehead.
Eyes on the future
Zlatan’s knowledge and experience can also play a key role from a future perspective, especially for a club like RedBird’s Milan, which invests in young players and follows the path of sustainability.
Ibrahimovic’s presence in the stands at the PUMA House of Football, to follow the Primavera alongside Vincenzo Vergine (head of the youth sector) has been notable.
The 41-year-old keeps an eye on the talents that are being nurtured from Jan-Carlo Simic to Alex Jimenez, from Kavin Zeroli to Davide Bartesaghi and others under the guidance of Ignazio Abate.
Ibra is invested in their journey and is ready to have his say if he is asked to help the new Under 23 team which could well be registered next season in Serie C.
