Ibrahimovic ‘invisible’ during Milan’s managerial search – his role in Fonseca’s future

AC Milan brought Zlatan Ibrahimovic back to the club during the 2023-24 season, and there has been a lot of talk about what his role is at the club. Today, a report has claimed that his role may not be as prominent as once imagined. 

Ibrahimovic’s return brought many questions, and whilst answers have been given to some, there are still some gaps in the knowledge of his role and his power at Milan. Sat alongside Gerry Cardinale, he was referred to as the RedBird founder’s vessel, meaning he, or his ideas, could be present when he was not able to be alongside his other management members.

Given the Swede’s experience within football too, it seems a very shrewd idea to have someone with Zlatan’s stature and expertise amongst the management team to offer his opinion on vital decisions and provide words of wisdom to others when needed.

However, a report has claimed that he may not have been prominent in the appointment of Paulo Fonseca. As Calciomercato.com states, the appointment is a ‘mystery’ compared to some of the coaches available, and they offer two hypotheses.

Firstly, Ibrahimovic backed the appointment, but this is not the difficult part of the appointment. Now, he must further endorse him, protect him, and strengthen him and his side. A difficult task, but one that Ibrahimovic can do, especially with the respect he commands.

Alternatively, they suggest that there is a possibility that Fonseca’s appointment was not the former striker’s choice, and he was not given a say in the choice. The report states that Ibra is ‘one of few football people’ at the club, and questions could arise about his importance to the management if he has not had a say in the decision.

Regardless of whether he chose for or against Fonseca, he now must support the coach and provide the tools for his team to flourish.