Zlatan has received the ‘official’ backing from Cardinale: in the summer, he will lead the technical-sporting area.
“What is Ibrahimovic’s actual role at Milan?” This is the question many Rossoneri fans, and others, have asked since Zlatan’s return to Milan in a managerial capacity. It was clear from the start that he wasn’t just a consultant; Cardinale’s words confirmed this: the Swede is a kind of deputy to the RedBird patron himself. This formal appointment may not have pleased everyone at Via Aldo Rossi. In next year’s Milan, Ibra’s hand will be evident, starting with the coach. “Pioli is our coach, and we are happy with him,” he said a few weeks ago. A statement that seems to have an expiration date.
Zlatan is no ordinary man: he will have significant power starting from next summer and intends to make his mark. He will do so in the transfer market, managing major operations, but the entire technical-sporting area will be under his control. Starting from the choice of the next coach: a change, barring dramatic twists, seems inevitable. Cardinale himself confirmed this during the Financial Times meeting, expressing dissatisfaction with the failure to secure the top spot in the league and the excessive injuries. This indicates that Pioli’s staff is in the crosshairs: the almost historic problem of numerous muscle injuries must be addressed.
Regarding the change on the bench, it is certain that Ibrahimovic wants to present himself with a big name: the favorite of the former number eleven, it’s no secret, is Antonio Conte. Conte wants to return to coaching and has not hidden important ambitions. “He wants the Champions League with a multi-year project,” said his long-time assistant, Alessio. Champions League and project, two words that also appeal to Cardinale himself. Ibra’s intention is clear, of course, many pieces need to be put in the right place. Starting from the transfer market, where Conte will demand significant investments: it remains to be seen if the American ownership intends to fully satisfy the former Inter and Juve coach. At the moment, the only certainty is that Ibrahimovic’s influence on the future Milan will be enormous.
