Since the summer mercato, Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been a controversial figure at AC Milan. Questions have been asked about his role, his responsibilities, and his readiness for his position, and Gianluigi Longari has taken stock of his current position.
It is not a new thing for questions to be asked of Ibrahimovic, but they have rarely been asked in the current way. Ibrahimovic, a player unafraid to take risks, now a senior part of a football club, yet there are potential doubts about his position.
When he joined Milan for the third time, questions were asked about his level of power, and with him stating he is ‘the boss’ this week, it seems clear. However, this has also come with negative connotations, with reports suggesting there is an internal ‘war’ in the Rossoneri, currently, due to Ibra’s position potentially being abused.
In an editorial for Sportitalia (via Radio Rossonera), Longari spoke about Ibrahimovic’s position and the steps forward he must take if he is to instil confidence in himself.
“In the summer he had gone along with the collective decision to bet on Fonseca, but now he has decided to act himself. It is no mystery that his [Fonseca’s] bench has wobbled a lot, almost to the point of questioning his presence in the Derby. However, he will be given the last possible call to take back the reins of the dressing room.”
“[If Milan fail to win] The Swede’s assumption of responsibility would be obligatory, at present the club is now far removed from the sporting values that have always distinguished it…”