Zlatan Ibrahimović, AC Milan and RedBird consultant, spoke to Sky Sport Italia microphones just minutes before the match against Red Star. Here are his words:
On the team’s current state:
"After the last game, we were disappointed, they weren’t happy. During the week, they worked hard, and there was good spirit that grew as the week progressed. They trained well, and they’re in good shape."
On the possibility of advancing directly to the Round of 16, Ibrahimovic said:
"The ideal scenario is to win all three games, so we go straight into the top eight and skip the playoffs. We also have a game to play in February against Bologna; having fewer games is better so the players exert less effort. That’s why the goal is to win all the matches. On paper, it seems easy, but it’s not. Every match is tough, and they need to approach each game as if it were a final."
On Paulo Fonseca’s comments after the match against Atalanta:
"If we’re talking about referees, they have a significant influence on matches. We want to help them and respect them. The coach was emotional, not happy. He vented a bit, but in the end, we respect the referees—not just the four on the field but all of them."
What do you like about this Milan? Ibrahimovic commented:
"I like that the team is stronger than last year, there’s more quality, and we’re not dependent on certain players. What’s missing is balance—the continuity of winning games and gaining the confidence to maintain that consistency."
Don’t you ever feel like getting back on the field to help the team?
"I have to be honest: I feel like I don’t have the power to help the team on the field anymore because with me on the pitch, it was a different story. Outside, everyone has their own character. We try to push and give our best. The important thing is not to let them get too comfortable. The attitude they need to have is important; we are confident and believe in what we are doing."
How much does Thiago Silva (sitting next to Ibrahimović) miss being at this Milan?
"A lot. When I played with him, it felt like he was an Ibrahimović in defense. He’s a great player, he’s had an incredible career, and he’s still playing. I advised him to keep going as long as he feels good. I’m happy to have played with him, even though he took me away from Milan the first time (laughs)."
