The Swede has previously tried to help – with mixed results – the Portuguese player`s growth. Now, in this Milan team looking to strongly relaunch with Rafa, Zlatan`s work with him becomes vital.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic regularly sends postcards from his vacation to his 72 million followers – a community whose vastness is worth remembering. These range from classic posed shots – like one next to the Serengeti National Park sign – to more dynamic ones, such as a taekwondo move inches from Verratti`s face (no hospitalizations reported, he must have stopped in time) and a ball trick in a swimming pool. While his fanbase remains considerable, it has been partially eroded in football terms by Milan`s recent season. Along with everyone else from Cardinale downwards, Ibra has found himself under scrutiny from Rossoneri fans. They now find the Swede`s relaxation hard to swallow, especially while Tare and Allegri are practically sleeping at Milanello, focused on club matters.
Reflections on His Role
When discussing Zlatan and his public image, especially since retiring from playing, it`s essential to make a clear distinction between his opportunities (like posting on social media) and his role. His position, though intended to remain fluid and based on corporate missions, doesn`t prevent him from living it… the Ibra way. The Swede is not a Milan director; he`s a consultant for RedBird, paid by RedBird, and therefore operates in a different sphere and at a different level than, for example, the sporting director, or even the CEO (Furlani, unlike Zlatan, is specifically assigned to Milan). These considerations help clarify things, offering a different perspective, and perhaps helping to understand where Ibra`s decisive contribution might come from. Reviewing his official areas of responsibility, it states his mandate `will include player development and high-performance training.`
Reaching Full Potential
Here lies the key to his presence at Milanello: transferring his experience and vision to the players. It`s in this context that Leao`s name inevitably comes up. Twenty-six years old – he`s a man now, stop calling him a boy – where `completeness` or `full potential` is the word that encompasses everything. Zlatan must impart this to him, or at least help him take that final step that Rafa just can`t seem to achieve on his own. There was a time – four years ago – when the Swede said of him: `I couldn`t stimulate him. If he doesn`t help himself, no one can help him. Before this season, however, he totally changed, he understood what to do by himself.` In his book Adrenalina, he was even more drastic: `Only with Leao haven`t I managed to find the key to wake him up. I tried in every way, I was gentle, hard, indifferent. I succeeded with everyone else, but not with him. I came to the conclusion that, if someone doesn`t wake up on their own, there`s little you can do.` It`s time to try again, Zlatan. The mission is clear and essential, given that Rafa – barring exorbitant triple-digit offers – is destined not only to remain at Milanello but to be the cornerstone upon which the squad is being rebuilt.
Notable Quotes
The two have always had an intense relationship, both as teammates and afterward, with mutual praise. Ibra has said things about him like: `Leao isn`t Balotelli; that mistaken backheel is brilliant (referring to the missed goal against Newcastle in the Champions League). If you score like that, you`re a genius. And that thing makes you understand why Leao is there and Balotelli is in the stands.` Or also: `Everyone asks me to tell him how to play. For us, he`s among the best in the world: how do you explain to him how he should play? He knows himself, that`s why he`s among the best in the world. You can guide him tactically, but you don`t explain how he should play. He`s the one who explains to you how he should play.` Leao reciprocates by saying: `Ibrahimovic is like an older brother,` `he helped me not only as a footballer but also as a man,` `he made me understand what Milan means.` And also: `He taught me concentration for the entire match.` Here, in this regard, Zlatan will have to revisit the topic. `Who is better between me and Leao? Zlatan, but Zlatan created Leao,` the Swede had said at the Festival dello Sport, where he enjoys adopting a divine persona. Advice: it`s better if Ibra doesn`t rest on the seventh day with Rafa.
