On the eve of the game between AC Milan and Man City, which will be played in New York, Zlatan Ibrahimovic was a guest on CBS Mornings along with Christian Pulisic. In addition to his new role, he also discussed the development of young players.
Ibrahimovic was been working as an advisor for Milan since the end of last year, when he was appointed by the club owners RedBird. He made his first media appearance just last month, announcing that Milan had chosen Paulo Fonseca as the new head coach.
Since then, the Swede has got more and more responsibility. He was a guest on CBS Mornings earlier today, along with Pulisic, to discuss Milan’s pre-season tour in the US and his role at the club. He also talked about the development of young players.
Being an advisor instead of a player…
“I can say that it was easier to play football than what I’m doing today, but I’m learning, this is a learning phase, and I’m humble. I have good people around me. As long as they win I’m okay, the problem is when they start to lose, we come with a different mood but.
“The issue is that I cannot influence the game how I used to, so you just have to transform your mentality, your mood, your experience into other players.
On his confidence…
“I have a bulletproof mind. It’s not a persona, it’s me. Many people ask me if I’m acting but no, what you see is what you get. Where I come from, it was important to be confident and stand up for yourself. You wanted to prove that you were the best. Not just in football but I also did it in school. I’m the best, who is the rest
“On the level is used to play, and where Christian is playing now, 50% is mentality. If you’re not strong you will not survive.”
On youngsters…
“I think it begins at an early age, then it depends on how far you want to bring it. I believe in discipline and hard work, it always pays off so already at an early age you need to prepare the mental part because when you come to the big stage, either you get eaten or you eat
“When I was younger, I was very aggressive on the pitch and I didn’t have the balance. Then, with more experience, I started to hug some and attack others. With the young guys, you need to get to know them and then push because the level is very high.”
I’m the best, who is the rest
“On the level is used to play, and where Christian is playing now, 50% is mentality.
Does this even make sense??
Of course that make sense. Mentality is very important, even if the player has talent, without the right mentality, they won’t succeed.
When Zlatan left home he said to his father ‘you’re the man of the house now’
He is the best for nothing