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.
