Zlatan Ibrahimovic is facing criticism for his handling of his significant role at AC Milan, according to a journalist.
Milan is entering the international break amid a crisis, having failed to win any of their three league games and recording their worst start to a season in terms of points since before World War II.
Amidst the turmoil, newspapers and social media are rife with blame and finger-pointing. Another issue has surfaced involving a cooling break during which Theo Hernandez and Rafael Leao were seen distant from the team in their match against Lazio on Saturday.
In his weekly column for MilanNews, Pietro Mazzara discussed the game at Stadio Olimpico and the apparent disconnect within the management.
“Is this really the Milan that Gerry Cardinale envisions? The RedBird founder, who attended the Olimpico incognito (why not announce this?), watched as the Rossoneri drew against Lazio, highlighting the deficiencies and fragility of a structure too American to thrive in Italy,” he began.
“Cardinale was seated alongside Giorgio Furlani and Geoffrey Moncada but lacked his right-hand man, Zlatan Ibrahimovic. It’s clear Ibrahimovic is failing in his role.
“He’s misstepping in communication, both online and offline. As the figurehead within Milan, his performance is concerning. His absence in Rome for a vacation is particularly troubling for someone expected to be a key presence.
“Ibrahimovic’s departure left the team and coach isolated during a game that exposed Paulo Fonseca’s coaching shortcomings. This is unacceptable and contrasts sharply with the approach of former Milan executive Adriano Galliani.
“RedBird’s strategy of not having a prominent and credible figure present alongside the team is clearly flawed. The issues from last year persist and have, in some cases, worsened.
“After the match, a prominent sporting director, like Giuntoli, would have addressed Leao and Theo Hernandez directly, regardless of the official explanations given on state TV.
“A leader would have managed the situation with full support from management, as that incident, seen worldwide, has significantly harmed Milan’s image and prestige, especially coming from players who wore the captain’s armband.”
