Ibrahimovic Steps Up in Tribute to Porto’s Legend
On a night marked by both football and mourning, Zlatan Ibrahimovic took center stage as the special advisor for AC Milan, speaking on behalf of the team. Sergio Conceicao, the head coach, had to step away to grieve the passing of Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa, the legendary president of FC Porto. Pinto da Costa, who held the presidency for 42 years, was a mentor and a father figure to Conceicao, and his death cast a somber shadow over the evening’s proceedings.
A Gritty Victory Against Verona
The match against Verona was a tough battle, with the visitors’ resilient defense making it challenging for Milan to break through. It wasn’t until the 75th minute that the deadlock was finally broken. Alex Jimenez’s precise pass set up Rafael Leao’s acrobatic flick, which in turn led to Santiago Gimenez’s header from close range, securing a 1-0 victory for the Rossoneri. This win, while narrow, was crucial in reinforcing Milan’s momentum in Serie A.
Gimenez: A Promising Arrival
Santiago Gimenez has been a standout performer since joining Milan, becoming only the third player in the three points for a win era to score in his first two Serie A appearances for the club, following Andriy Shevchenko and Christian Pulisic. Ibrahimovic, known for his insight and experience, praised Gimenez’s adaptability and potential. "I expected things to go this well, because Gimenez is someone who likes to score goals and this is a team where the ball does get into the box," he said. "It is not easy coming to Italian football as a foreigner, but we are helping him to settle in and step by step get stronger."
A Revived Serie A Campaign
This victory marks a significant step in Milan’s Serie A campaign, as they have now collected 10 points from their last four matches. The only setback was a dramatic 1-1 draw against Inter, but overall, the team is showing signs of improvement and consistency. Ibrahimovic emphasized the importance of this win: "This is a very important victory. It’s true we only scored one goal, but we dominated and if you score early, then it totally opens up. With all due respect to Verona, they came to San Siro only to defend and it is not easy to play against a well-organised team. If you score early, it’s a very different game."
Joao Felix: A Dynamic Addition
Joao Felix, on loan from Chelsea, has made an immediate impact at Milan, featuring prominently since his arrival. When asked about the club’s strategy in bringing him in, Ibrahimovic highlighted Felix’s desire to play and contribute. "He came here to play and to help. The coach makes the decisions, it depends on the games and his form. Joao Felix is a player who always wants the ball at his feet, he creates situations and if he is in good form, then he should play. It is up to the coach." This blend of youth and experience is crucial for Milan’s continued success.
Rafael Leao and Team Dynamics
Rafael Leao’s assist from the bench was a testament to Milan’s depth and the reduced pressure on any single player to carry the team. Ibrahimovic spoke about Leao’s role: "He will always be a reference point for this side. The statistics show he makes the difference, even when he’s not in top form, he still makes the difference. He provided an assist today off the bench, that’s what we need him to do." He also emphasized the importance of a balanced squad: "We are Milan, so if we only have one player to rely on, then we’re in trouble! The more players you have, the more alternatives there are. Every coach has to rotate the squad when you play every three days, otherwise we’ll burn them out and risk injuries. It is also important to keep everyone involved and confident."
Looking Ahead to Feyenoord
With the Champions League play-off against Feyenoord looming, Milan faces the challenge of overturning a 1-0 first-leg deficit at home. Ibrahimovic’s words underscored the team’s determination and the need for a collective effort: "Now Milan look to the Champions League play-off, where they host Feyenoord on Tuesday night and must overturn the 1-0 first leg defeat in Rotterdam." The Rossoneri will need to bring their best form and unity to secure a place in the main draw.
