Zlatan Ibrahimovic made a significant appearance at Milanello, AC Milan’s training ground, to deliver a powerful message ahead of the crucial derby against Inter Milan. The club’s senior advisor closely observed the team’s training session, his presence aimed at instilling a sense of responsibility in a group that has struggled to maintain consistency during challenging times.
Calciomercato report that the Swedish legend’s visit culminated in a lengthy discussion with three of Milan’s most influential players: Mike Maignan, Theo Hernandez, and Tijjani Reijnders. The inclusion of Reijnders, despite being with the club for just over a year, underscores his growing importance within the squad. Ibrahimovic emphasized to the players that they have all the necessary tools to defeat Inter, urging them to give their all until the final whistle.
This “derby pact” is seen as a potential turning point for Milan’s season. Ibrahimovic’s message was clear: victory against their city rivals could be the catalyst needed to revitalize their campaign.
The stakes are particularly high for manager Paulo Fonseca, whose future at the club hangs in the balance. Ibrahimovic briefly spoke with the Portuguese coach, but the message from the club hierarchy is unambiguous – Fonseca must win the derby to secure his position. While challenging, it’s not an impossible task, provided the team displays cohesion, determination, and a willingness to sacrifice for defensive duties – qualities that have been notably absent in their season so far.
The time for rhetoric has passed, and Milan now needs to deliver results. The numerous unsold tickets for their recent match against Liverpool and the subsequent fan protests are clear indicators of the current crisis. Milan must reconnect with its supporters before it’s too late.
As the derby approaches, all eyes will be on whether Ibrahimovic’s intervention and the pact with the team’s leaders can spark the turnaround that Milan desperately needs. The match against Inter isn’t just about local bragging rights; it’s become a pivotal moment that could define Milan’s season and the future of their current project.
