Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s return to AC Milan was recently confirmed, and more clarity has been established regarding the role he will have and the responsibilities that come with it.
La Gazzetta dello Sport write how it is very easy to fall into the rhetoric of the ‘Ibra shock’ after Milan won at a stadium that only Liverpool and Dortmund had done so far this season, coming from behind to beat Newcastle United 2-1.
However, Ibra was not present at Milanello the day before the game (when the team departed) nor was he at St. James’ Park, so it is possible that he didn’t want to add further pressure to the team with his presence.
The original plan was that he was going to be at the training ground yesterday to give greetings to the management, the team, the coach and all those who work at the training ground, but the team were given an extra day off and then today Zlatan came down with the flu.
Ibra is expected at San Siro on Sunday for Milan-Monza, where he will have the opportunity to hug his old friend Adriano Galliani again, but the point on which many fans debate concerns the real parameters in which he will carry out his job.
It is a legitimate question, also because the official and joint RedBird-AC Milan press release names him in practically all imaginable areas of the club: consultant to the club’s ownership and management, and ‘operational’ partner of RedBird’s sports, media and entertainment investment portfolio.
Moreover, he will advise RedBird portfolio companies on ‘business projects, digital content strategies and strategic brand building initiatives’, play an active role in the sports and business operations of the club, his mandate will include player development and high performance training, promoting Milan’s global brand and supporting special projects of strategic importance, including the new stadium.
An endless list of tasks, on paper a practically total range of action as part of an employment relationship that is based on a stable contract. In other words: it’s not just one year to see the effect that he has.
On the other hand, this is not surprising, for two reasons. The first: without an important and operational mandate, Zlatan would not have accepted. Second: in Cardinale’s eyes, Ibra (and everything that his figure brings with him) represents the perfect model and way of approaching business for RedBird’s needs.
Ibrahimovic is not considered a director – also because in practical terms he is not qualified to be one – but, in fact, a consultant. Maybe a ‘super consultant’, but still within the canonical role of advisor.
From the (very) high levels of the club his figure is underlined as follows: Ibra has no decision-making power. He can influence, undoubtedly even in a ‘heavy’ way, but he cannot decide. Just as he is not considered anyone’s replacement.
Here, however, it is necessary to add a distinction: Zlatan is not in fact formally filling boxes left empty by directors who are no longer there, but to all intents and purposes he fills a significant void that those farewells had left, a void that the recent difficult times had highlighted drastically.
What will be the 41-year-old’s first movements? He will obviously start from the more purely sporting issues. From the team, from an often lost dressing room, in search of a true leader of the pack. In short, first act at Milanello.
Then he will begin the operational synergy with Cardinale, since Z is also called to act in the context of RedBird’s investments. The idea that the Swede will travel to New York in a fairly short time is not far-fetched, then we’ll see how it goes. After all, everything is new for him too.
No one knows exactly what Zlatan will be doing and it’s hard to say if this will be successful. Guess we’ll see in time.
My only concern is if/when a new coach comes in the summer, would they want to work with, or have Zlatan’s shadow looming over their head in the locker room/on the field?
If the new coach is good enough and can’t handle Zlatan’s presence, then they’ll just adjust Z’s role. And by good enough I mean someone with credibility, know-how and balls. Not some bonera-type of ex-Milan-player eager to prove himself on the big stage. (Not going to use Abate as an example ‘cos he’s friends with Z)
Well lets see if Zlatan has sold his soul, again. He has made more moves than most successful players.
Or will he be the club man, much like Maldini, who will advocate for the team/fans…
I’m not sure he will last long in this undefined role. His personality will surely bring him into conflict with Gerry
He’s 42, not 41. The journalist had one job to do…