Milan coach Stefano Pioli outlined what makes for a ‘winning mentality’ when it comes to clubs and players, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic as a prime example.
The tactician spoke to Pasquale Gravina in an Instagram Live chat and was asked what makes a winning squad.
“The club behind it has to be strong, organised and united, with top management always ready to find solutions and not create problems,” said Pioli.
Milan coach Stefano Pioli outlined what makes for a ‘winning mentality’ when it comes to clubs and players, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic as a prime example.
The tactician spoke to Pasquale Gravina in an Instagram Live chat and was asked what makes a winning squad.
“The club behind it has to be strong, organised and united, with top management always ready to find solutions and not create problems,” said Pioli.
“A team must have important quality, but above all, character. The winning sides are ones where the players are not easy to train, but ready to stand up and take part.
“Obviously, you then require a coach capable of controlling a dressing room atmosphere that is not easy. I think you need all these elements and not just one to create a winning mentality.”
Milan made significant steps forward after Ibrahimovic joined in January and he is currently training in Sweden with Hammarby.
“I spoke to him, he’s doing well. I think talent is an innate quality and it’s not difficult for me to spot it, but talent can be worked on and improved. I set the example of Roger Federer, as he was born with that talent, but worked constantly every day to become probably the greatest tennis player who ever lived.
“We also saw great natural talents wasted, perhaps because they were unwilling to make the sacrifices and work hard. I trained Miroslav Klose, the striker who scored the most goals in the World Cup.
“Even Ibra tells me his only objective every day is to improve his performance and that’s what it’s all about.”