Zlatan Ibrahimovic was present at Milanello yesterday and he has tried to rally the AC Milan squad ahead of the Derby della Madonnina. The fixture could be damaging for the Rossoneri’s chances of a positive season, and with it being the derby, a win is a must.
Since the start of the season, Milan have fallen below expectations. They have failed to show any signs of progression and have been on the wrong side of results too many times already. To add to this, there are suggestions that there are splits present in the squad, most worryingly between Ibrahimovic and Paulo Fonseca.
However, with the derby awaiting them, these problems must be ignored, at least for now, and the squad must be united, and this is what Zlatan asked of the Diavolo at Milanello yesterday.
A boost
It is not the first time the Swede has delivered a message to the squad, but perhaps, this one is the most important yet. After the Liverpool defeat, he wanted to make himself heard to ensure that the season ‘did not take an even worse turn’, as Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below) writes.
In his speech, he was firm – in ‘an Ibra style’ says Gazzetta – and his words were constructive rather than the critical words delivered to the squad after the loss to Parma.
His requests
Arriving at 10 AM, the former striker went straight to the locker room area, rather than entering via the manager’s area. From there, he gave a ‘short motivational speech’ to Milan’s squad, making it clear that ‘the ownership (represented by him)’ are not pleased with the results, or performances.
Somewhat critical, he also asked the players for character, personality and unity against Inter and from this point forward. What has already happened cannot be undone, but the season can begin on Sunday.
His message also detailed what was at stake, how the Rossoneri could drop down the table, and how the fans could react after another loss. There is a chance of redemption, and Milan must take it.
Staying on the right line
Rather than discussing technical aspects, the Swede only spoke of the non-football variables – commitment, anger, desire, attention – leaving the technical details to the coach. He also stated that unison would be the key to moving forward, and the players listened.
Finally, he spoke to Fonseca, reiterating the club’s support for the Portuguese coach, and some of the squad’s key players. However, everyone now knows the importance of Sunday, if they didn’t already, and improvement is demanded by everyone.
Wow la Gazza has so much details. Nice fairytale from the PR. Maybe it’s time to publicly announce the partnership between Milan and la Gazza, and maybe even rename that journal la Pravda.
They’re gonna play like pussies because of fear of losing and then they’ll lose anyway. Seen it before
Absolutely correct. There is no point in watching the game and losing your temper when the outcome is already known in advance – the 7th defeat in a row!
You are a true idiot. Congrats.
thx for the input
And your m0m is a dirty h00ker too
how come idi0ts like you dont get banned?
“Finally, he spoke to Fonseca, reiterating the club’s support for the Portuguese coach” but we are looking for a new coach…lol
The Hollywood clown show continues!
Letting Maldini go and replacing him with Ibra was a disastrous decision. They could have gone for a more experience leader like Albertini. Ibra was never a leader, and he has always shown immaturity.
Ibra is not Maldini’s replacement. He’s an advisor of RedBird and not AC Milan.
Moncada was named technical director, you can check on Milan official website.
from football Italia
“Ibrahimovic, Materazzi’s former teammate at Inter, made headlines on Tuesday with an explosive pre-match interview with Sky Sport Italia, where he insisted that he’s “the boss” at the club. However, Materazzi didn’t seem concerned.
“No impression at all,” he said.
“Let’s say that these words are part of his character. The only thing I can say as an Inter fan is that I hope Paolo Maldini never returns to the club.”
Damn Martin… As a French and a Milan fan, it’s my duty to hate with all my guts Materazzi. But that last part of the quote is so beautiful. Thanks 🙂
😀 No problem and to be fair Materazzi is far from my cup of tea either even though Inter has had players i liked and even to some extent respected he isn’t really one of them but I’m sure most Inter fans feels the same way as he does as there actually was a beacon of hope with him at the rudder of the ship. Things can nevertheless still be turned around but it does look rather bleak at the moment and even though I generally has a fair amount of patience in regard of the club, management, coaches and players mine will soon be gone if all of them doesn’t start to show why they are on our payroll. To be honest if I had played with a bunch of lethargic players with no will to fight for eachother I might actually have knocked some sense into them myself if needed.