A recent column published in La Gazzetta dello Sport has called for the reintroduction of Zlatan Ibrahimovic to the Milan set-up in a role that would be of benefit to both Stefano Pioli and his squad of players.
Despite currently sitting second in Serie A, one point shy of league leaders and rivals Inter, there have been concerns raised by some supporters and members of the press over Pioli’s leadership.
Those feelings were intensified after two consecutive Milan losses over the last week, in high-profile matches against Juventus and then Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Friday’s article in La Gazzetta points out that while Pioli still has a number of gaps in his playing squad, he has also been impacted by a recent departure off the pitch.
The suggestion is that Pioli has struggled slightly since the dismissal of club legend Paolo Maldini from his position as technical director at the beginning of June.
While playing a heavy role in recruitment and general management behind the scenes, Maldini was also key in motivating players and educating them on the importance of representing Milan.
Suggested to be in need of another charismatic figure in the dressing room, La Gazzetta suggests that Ibrahimovic could be the ideal motivator to come in.
Ibrahimovic is cited as a man who commands respect, as well as being somebody who could restore high levels of self-esteem and ferocity within the dressing room. Additionally, and importantly, the Swede has recent memories of lifting trophies at San Siro.
However, it must also be noted that Ibrahimovic is still weighing up his next moves after announcing his retirement at the end of the 2022-23 season and that a return to Milan is not necessarily a guarantee.