Zlatan Ibrahimovic has clarified AC Milan’s new approach to their academy, stating that playing time is the most important thing and not the team results.
Since Milan Futuro’s relegation to Serie D last season, many have questioned the Rossoneri’s academy and whether this new era (i.e. with a reserves team) will actually do them any good. Slowly but steadily, however, positive signs are emerging.
Currently, Milan Futuro are fifth in Serie D and thus won’t be looking at direct promotion, while the promotion play-offs path is far from easy (as we explained recently). They could still be granted a spot in Serie C if teams were to drop out due to financial reasons, but it’s not a priority.
Playing time, not results
As explained by Ibrahimovic in his interview with CBS, which was recorded in the days leading up to the derby, Milan have completely changed their philosophy on the academy. Rather than focusing on results, they want their promising players to get as much playing time as possible.
“In the culture of Italy, everyone is focused on the result, even the youth coaches want to win. So if they want to win, they also want to field players who are ready, but then the players with potential won’t get any playing time. We have taken this out of Milan, changing the philosophy completely.
“First of all, we want to give our youngsters game time because when you are young, game time is so important. If you are not playing for the Futuro, you will play for the Primavera, 100%. So everyone gets game time. Then from there, you balance things between the Primavera and the Futuro.
“However, when you come into the first team, it’s all based on results. Then we need results. We are trying to bring out the youth, which we want, but like I said at the beginning, we are haunted by the history of the club.
“Seven Champions League, 19 Scudetti, all the Ballon d’Or winners who have played here; fans are used to that. If we are not giving the fans that, we are not giving them Milan, so we need to give them Milan.”
We have to say, it definitely doesn’t sound unreasonable and puts the Futuro project in a different light. After all, with the old strategy, Italian clubs have somewhat struggled to consistently produce talent.
