Zlatan Ibrahimovic explains why Milan went after new players with certain ‘human’ qualities, including Alvaro Morata, and hints their transfer strategy might not yet be complete.
Does being on the touchline during the warm-up give Ibrahimovic nostalgia for playing the game?
“Since I accepted that I would not play anymore, I am over that feeling,” he told DAZN.
Strahinja Pavlovic makes his first start for Milan this evening and is representative of the kind of new signing Ibrahimovic was looking for.
“The players we sought were profiles with character who bring something extra both as players, but as humans. The squad is young, we felt there was something lacking in terms of character last season. Now they are with the team and we hope well.”
Will there be another new striker coming in, or are they covered with Morata, Luka Jovic and Noah Okafor?
“We doubled up all the positions on the field and don’t forget we also have Milan Futuro, because if we bring too many players in for these roles, we block the growth process for the younger players. We believe in our youth and they need to have that process.
“The squad is complete, we are on day 6 of 7, so we’ll see what happens.”
This is a reference to a comment Ibrahimovic made in pre-season, when he said God took seven days to make the world and Milan were still in the process.
Francesco Camarda is the big starlet of the Milan Futuro reserve team that plays in Serie C, so should he be ushered into the first side quickly or protected from the media glare?
“I think it’s a balance. Obviously, one day you hug him, the next you put pressure. That’s the process on and off the field, but once they step forward, they mustn’t then take three steps back. They need to be ready,” continued Ibrahimovic.
Morata is out injured today, but still insisted on travelling to the Stadio Tardini with the rest of the team and is sat on the bench during the warm-up.
“He is one of the leaders we are after. He came with the team today to give support, that is important too, as players with experience like Morata can make the difference.”
