AC Milan's consultant, Zlatan Ibrahimovic spoke to the media in a press conference, with Kyle Walker (read the Englishman's statements HERE). Here's what he had to say:
"Hello, everyone. We’re here to present the new signing, Kyle Walker. There’s no need to introduce his qualities; he’s made history at City. It’s a great move—he’s a leader on and off the pitch. Even though we have many right-backs, we couldn’t say no to Walker. It was an opportunity we couldn’t pass up. He’ll bring a lot to the team both on and off the field. We’re confident he’ll be important for this squad. Welcome, Kyle!"
How did you experience what happened yesterday after the Parma game?
"It was an adrenaline-charged situation. It was between two winners who acted the way they did. This has happened to me many times. It was already resolved before even entering the locker room. Things like this have happened everywhere I’ve been; everyone wants to win. As Capello taught me, these things can actually benefit the team. The coach works with great passion, just like Calabria. These kinds of things are better off happening than not; they show people care. From the outside, it might look bad, but what matters is that everything was sorted right after the match."
Does Milan’s transfer market end with Kyle Walker? Are you also targeting a forward or midfielder?
"We have our objectives, but the January market is not easy. We’re working on it. Walker’s arrival was an opportunity; he wasn’t a target, but someone like him is better to have than not. We’re working and hope to achieve our goals. We know what we want, and so does the coach. We’re working on it."
What is Kyle Walker’s profile?
"He has a strong personality, which the team needs; he’s an alpha in the locker room. He can help in many ways. In our view, he can even play as a central defender, as he did at City."
Did you expect these challenges after the first few months?
"For me, everything is new. I’m doing a different job now; on the field, things were entirely different. We’re not in the situation we wanted to be in; we always want to win. The Supercoppa was one of our objectives, and we still have the Coppa Italia. If we win on Wednesday, we’ll be among the top eight in the Champions League. In the league, we need more consistency and must recover points."
You’ve often said this team needs balance. Does it also need more calmness?
"Calmness comes with results and victories. Consistency is also key; it makes playing easier, builds confidence, and even brings luck. At Milan, there’s always pressure to deliver results. We want to win, and we’re working on finding consistency. Yesterday, it wasn’t quality that won but attitude—just like in the Supercoppa. With this spirit, things like what happened with Calabria and the coach can happen. From the outside, it might look bigger than it is, but for us, it’s normal. Image-wise, I understand it’s not ideal. When we find consistency, we’ll also have more calmness."
Does Milan lack leaders? In 2020, you and Kjaer arrived and shook things up... Ibrahimovic replied:
"There are two types of leaders: those who lead on the pitch and those who lead off it. When I returned in 2020, I did both. For me, this team has leaders. Walker brings a lot of experience and has won a lot."
Do you like Santiago Gimenez? Does the team also need reinforcement in midfield?
"Gimenez has great talent and potential. Everyone knows how strong he is. As for midfielders, we have great ones and a strong group. Let’s see if an opportunity arises and what we can do."
Any updates on Luka Jovic - Monza?
"There’s no news. He’s doing well, and the coach is satisfied. It’s also about understanding what’s best for the player."
Any news on the renewals of Theo Hernandez, Mike Maignan, and Tijjani Reijnders?
"We’re talking to them. They’re happy at Milan, and everything is under control. We’re also in talks with other players, and they’re all happy to be here. They feel good here."
Has your idea of the type of coach you need changed? Ibrahimovic replied:
"The way we worked with Conceição is the same as with Fonseca. We had already considered some players. This coach likes a certain type of player, while Fonseca liked others. The way of working remains the same. Self-criticism from management? We always want to do our best. When you know you’re doing a good job, results eventually come."
