Zlatan Ibrahimovic has admitted that he doesn’t get the same buzz watching the Milan derby as he did when he was playing in them.
Even Ibrahimovic couldn’t hide a smile when Pervis Estupinan’s rocket into the top corner secured a big derby win for Milan, with the eventual scoreline being 1-0 at San Siro on Sunday night. It has kept the title discussion open for a bit later, even if Inter do remain seven points ahead.
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A resolute defensive effort then followed as the Rossoneri saw out yet another positive result in the derby. It means that the unbeaten run against the Nerazzurri is now at seven games, and it was a first league double since 2010-11, when Allegri was the coach but Zlatan was a player.
Ibrahimovic was a guest on CBS Sports Golazo before kick-off at La Scala del Calcio and he previewed what would end up being a very enjoyable night for the red side of the city.
How are you feeling ahead of tonight?
“I’m good, I’m good. I mean, since I don’t play anymore, I get the adrenaline, but I would prefer to be on the field, but I enjoy from the side now. Or else I would be a little bit nervous now before the game, but in a positive way.
“And now I can just stay on the side and enjoy. I enjoy. Take us into Zlatan’s mindset in the dressing room, playing in this derby of your experience.”
What are you thinking when you’re in the dressing room before you come out?
“In this moment, I would be very focused. I would prepare myself. I don’t have any ritual things I do because my confidence is pretty high and strong. And very focused, and get the adrenaline coming slowly.”
Since 2000, Milan won three Scudetti. You won five. How do you transmit that to the team? How do you communicate that to the group, to the players?
“I mean, Milan is a historical club with a lot of trophies. They have it their DNA to win trophies. And once you play for Milan, you know what it’s about. The history haunts you. And if you don’t bring those trophies, the fans, they will not be happy.
“And the pressure is there and this is what we play for. So whoever played, pass it over to the next one. And when you play with big champions like this, there are examples for what’s for the next generation. So you just follow.”
See if you win tonight as well, then cushion goes only to seven points. How much excitement does that give you for the rest of the season?
“I think for the competition, it’s to close the gap and feel that you’re still in the race. Obviously, the mental part is important. It gives you a drive. It gives you energy. And it gives you also hope that you’re there, and the closer they get is also I think from now on it a mental thing.
“It’s not about the quality, because the closer you get to winning, let’s say [you can] spot the more nervous depending on the individual if you have experience or not. So, hopefully we do what we need to and close the gap.”
