Zlatan Ibrahimovic believes that the AC Milan are improving under Paulo Fonseca, insisting that he must ‘be himself’ with the players and the media.
There has been a lot of media attention about Ibrahimovic’s presence (or lack thereof) in and around the club. Ahead of Milan’s clash against Udinese, it was reported that the Swede would be present at Milanello, but this was not the case.
Reports suggested that he would deliver a talk to the squad this week after the international break to relax them and remind them of the standards required. However, it feels as though the Senior Advisor to RedBird Capital has preferred to leave the responsibility with Fonseca.
Ibrahimovic is back in amongst it though and had some words for the cameras. He spoke to Sky a few moments before kick-off, and his comments were relayed by MilanNews.
Milan at zero points. The importance of moving up the standings
“I’m seeing the team improving a lot. There’s more balance, more stability is needed but it’s a job they’re looking for and they’re doing everything they can to get it.
“We’ve paid a lot for the mistakes we made. True, zero points in the Champions League and tonight will be important to get the first points.”
Regarding Fonseca, is your absence at Milanello making the coach more responsible?
“We are working as before, nothing changes. Fonseca must be himself, he is the coach and certain issues must be resolved from within, they are adults and must take their responsibilities. And that is what they are doing.”
On Leao…
“I also shot badly, until I found Fabio Capello and then I started to shoot well. Everything we are doing is work to grow. The work is done in training and on the pitch you see the results. Rafa tries to improve and always has people who help him.”
We are waiting for the results…
“The results are already in.”
How do you plan to solve the issue of difficult players?
“Certain situations are dynamic, they are not predictable. Everyone reacts in their own way, the important thing is that they have discipline and that they are professionals on the field.”
What did you put in Milan’s budget forecast under the Champions League heading?
“Go as far as possible. We have created a team that must do well not only in Italy, but also in the Champions League.”
Inter were cautious at the time, they had placed third in the group…
“If we don’t win, no one is satisfied.”
But in financial terms, what is Milan’s objective in the Champions League?
“Milan is doing well, everything is positive. Obviously, the further you go in the Champions League, the better it is economically. I speak for the sporting part and I say that I want to win, but you know that things go hand in hand.”
