Zlatan Ibrahimovic has made a second return to AC Milan, and this time, he assumes a multifaceted role as an Operating Partner at RedBird and Senior Advisor to Ownership at Milan. His responsibilities span player development, training initiatives, brand advancement, and support for new strategic projects within the club.
The timing of Ibrahimovic’s return is significant, as pressure mounts on manager Stefano Pioli amid a challenging season for the Rossoneri. Currently sitting nine points behind league leaders Inter in Serie A and struggling in the Champions League group stage, Milan is seeking a turnaround.
Ibrahimovic’s return follows a familiar pattern, occurring after a painful defeat to Atalanta. His previous return in the 2019-20 season followed a 5-0 loss to Atalanta, resulting in a successful second spell with Milan, culminating in a Serie A title win.
During his previous stint, Ibrahimovic played a pivotal role in instilling a winning mentality within the squad, contributing to their Scudetto success. Now, with Milan facing challenges under Pioli, Ibrahimovic’s return is seen as a move to address the lack of a resilient winning mentality within the team.
Unlike his previous short-term return, Ibrahimovic’s current role extends beyond the immediate future. With Pioli’s departure seemingly imminent, Ibrahimovic will likely remain closely involved with the players, guiding them through the transitional period. Reports suggest that Ignazio Abate, Milan’s Primavera coach, could step in as a mid-season replacement for Pioli, allowing time for RedBird to carefully select a permanent successor.
The return of Ibrahimovic also carries weight in the absence of Paolo Maldini, the legendary ex-defender, who played a crucial role in the club’s direction and transfer decisions. Ibrahimovic now takes on a role akin to Maldini’s, providing a backroom influence to steer Milan back to the top.
In summary, Ibrahimovic’s return to AC Milan is anticipated to bring both on and off-pitch impact. His multifaceted role, long-term involvement, and influence in the backroom make him a key figure in Milan’s efforts to regain success and stability.
Leave a Reply