La Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper, in today's print edition, spoke about Zlatan Ibrahimovic's expected impact from his new role.
The retired Swedish footballer returns to the stadium in a new role to push the Rossoneri squad further.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic traveled with the team yesterday, after attending the final training session together with the manager Geoffrey Moncada and the sports director Antonio D’Ottavio.
His presence is felt, the fans are happy to see him, but the question is legitimate: without a ball at his feet anymore, sitting on a seat in the stadium the question is the following:
How can Zlatan still help his Milan turn things around?
He can do it because someone like him still has a lot to give to this group, even without playing: his knowledge, on the field and off the field are much needed and appreciated. He can help also because he is an inspiration for the players, they'll discover themselves more hungry, more concrete, more solid, and they can give continuity to successes against Sassuolo and Cagliari in both the championship and the Italian Cup.
In Empoli, attention will be needed for 90 minutes, there needs to be experience in managing moments of the game. Olivier Giroud's goals will also be required, the man who this season almost always scores away from the San Siro stadium.
Against Empoli, the AC Milan side will miss their former striker Ibra once again is an example: 6 victories out of 6 against the Tuscans, 4 goals including 3 at the Castellani. Zlatan, in Pioli's Milan, was an undisputed leader. Such qualities are not taught, but those who have observed him closely in these years have learned something: it's time to put it into practice.
Two names above all must react well and always put up strong and convincing performances: Rafael Leao and Theo Hernandez, who grew up alongside Ibrahimovic and have learned at least a thing or two from him.
Away from the former Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United striker, though, they got lost, but their 2024 has started on the right foot: Rafa found the goal against Cagliari, just like that afternoon four years ago, when Zlatan also broke the deadlock against the Sardinians.
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