There was a quite noticeable U-turn in the words used before the derby against Inter compared to a few days prior when he joked ahead of the Liverpool game.
MilanNews write how it could well be true that not everyone understood Ibrahimovic’s light-hearted approach, but the impression is that even the Swede learned the lesson regarding how to communicate during a moment where the fans expect honesty and clarity.
The pre-derby statements can at least be classified as a step backwards for someone who – despite claiming to be the ‘boss of everything’ a few nights prior – is learning on the job as a Senior Advisor to RedBird Capital and AC Milan.
His absence in the match against Lazio and up until the eve of the match against Liverpool generated headlines, as did his spat with Boban regarding what his role is, and then rumours even emerged suggesting he is not on good terms with the management.
Before the Inter game, he chose more careful words: “The important thing is the team and Milan, not me… It’s not a one man show.” He went from talking about lions and kittens to more humility and transparency, which was a positive step.
Ahead of a derby Ibra as the footballer would be able to go on the field and justify his character in some way but behind the desk the situation is different and he is in some ways at the mercy of the results. He is learning, and the three points against the Nerazzurri certainly helps calm things.
Damage control. he should keep being a lion without communication skills and see how far he will go. a little sprinkle of humility will do him no harm.
This whole article is based on a sentence out of its context. Zlatan basically spoke only about himself before the game, saying that people can’t understand his jokes. Monster ego. Of course it’s a one man show…