AC Milan's advisor and RedBird consultant, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, is with Paulo Fonseca in a press conference at Milanello to present the new coach to the media.
Here are his words:
"Good morning everyone, welcome to Paulo Fonseca. First day of training activities at Milanello. Today we talk about the present, a few days ago we talked about the future. We are happy that the day has come to present Fonseca. He is part of our ideas and our strategy: we are studying many things that will come. We are not in a hurry. We are very excited, we are very hungry and eager to start this new adventure, we are happy. We are fired up."
Can you give us an update on the transfer market? How is the situation with Joshua Zirkzee?
"We are studying, we are talking. We are not in a hurry. The market is long. I can guarantee that new acquisitions will arrive. We are talking, discussing. Nothing is done. Zirkzee is past. We have someone in mind, but I won't say the name. There is someone we are aiming for. Thank you."
Ibrahimovic continued:
"To bring in players, you also have to create space. We don't want to have a squad of 30 players, but of 23. New acquisitions will come, but we also need to create space so that we don't have too many players who are not functional for the coach. We must think not only about who comes in, but also about who goes out. Those who arrive are to improve the team, everything is planned to enhance the squad. It's not just about bringing in, bringing in, bringing in, we shouldn't have 40-50 players like in American football."
Regarding Theo Hernandez, Ibrahimovic stated:
"Theo is a Milan player. We are lucky to have 3 players in the European semifinals. He is a Milan player, we know he is very happy here and his family is well. With the new coach, he will have much more space to play as he likes. Fonseca's game will also be built around him, it will go very well and I am not worried."
On Divock Origi and Fodé Ballo-Touré not being in the list of called-up players:
"Origi and Ballo-Touré are called up, but for Milan Futuro. They are not part of the First Team project."
On the many injuries suffered last year:
"It's a matter that doesn't just concern the coach and the staff. We made a lot of changes in the medical area. When we had so many injuries, we weren't satisfied. There have been changes in the medical area too, and we think we've found the right path."
Are you disappointed that Kia Joorabchian didn't lower his demands?
"No. Never disappointed. This is part of football. Reality and rumours are two different things. There are agents who solve and agents who create problems. In this case, it was neither. The rumours circulating were not the same as reality. We have an idea for the attack, we hope it comes together as quickly as possible."
Fonseca will live at Milanello for now...
"Because it costs less (laughs). It's nice at Milanello. There are journalists who are always outside and want to live inside, but you have to pay the rent, eh (laughs)."
Is it possible that Milan will have three forwards next season? Ibrahimovic replied:
"We need to find a solution for those who won't have space. Regarding the three forwards: one is Mister X, the one we're targeting. Then it depends on the situations. Jovic is ours. Then it depends on the coach, how many forwards he needs. We want to have players who will be used, they shouldn't be here to waste time. Then there's Milan Futuro that we want to push forward, we want to give the young players the opportunity: but there's no responsibility on them. Three forwards are possible anyway, nothing is impossible. Let's see what happens."
Today the Curva Sud won't be present at the gathering at Milanello...
"I understand this passion and ambition they expect. I understand that the fans want to win, but we're on the same page. Today the ultras won't be there because many important players are missing, I understand. In the end, it's a matter of love. We do this to satisfy them. Being at Milan means dealing with pressure, those who work here know that we have to win. Is there a guarantee? No. But we're all in the same boat. We go straight ahead together, we pedal and we arrive. Miracles don't exist, God didn't create the world in one day, but in seven days. We're at the first day."
