Zlatan Ibrahimovic took on a prominent role as a Rossoneri executive during his recent visit to Parma. Arriving just hours before the match, he observed the team’s warm-up and participated in pre-game television interviews, including a live segment with CBS, where he was interviewed by Fabio Cannavaro. However, it was the post-match atmosphere that surprised him the most. Instead of a carefree trip back to Milan with sporting director Moncada, Ibra faced a dejected team that had returned from Parma by train, each player lost in their own thoughts.
Before the train journey, Ibrahimovic had already met with the players in the locker room, sharing his feelings following the unexpected loss and the lackluster performance. In true Zlatan fashion, he did the talking while many of the players, some of whom were former teammates, listened. As the voice of the ownership, Ibra frequently engages with the team to motivate them. But this time, his words carried a different weight. His message to the squad was clear and calm: “The quality is there; the team is practically complete, now you need to find motivation.”
Ibrahimovic believes the squad is capable and has gained personality, asserting that any additional signings in the market would only serve as finishing touches. He reiterated his thoughts publicly, saying, “We’ve signed players with character who bring something extra in terms of personality. Other signings? We are on the sixth day of seven…”
However, more than potential new faces, the focus for Ibra is on the mindset of the team. This was the critical issue he emphasized—playing for Milan should fill every player with pride and determination. An improper attitude is unacceptable. Ibra knows how to shake things up in the locker room. A memorable moment was when he famously overturned furniture in Reggio Emilia after winning the Scudetto in May 2022.
Not raising his voice doesn’t mean he was being forgiving about the Parma performance. Instead, his honesty paralleled that of former coach Fonseca, who had expressed similar concerns publicly. There were tactical and defensive issues, but more importantly, there was a lack of spirit and willingness to fight as a unit. This is a more serious problem, as it doesn’t stem from ability or personnel—it’s about the team’s readiness to sacrifice for one another. Many players failed to give their all, with Leao committing a misplaced pass that led to a yellow card, and Theo appearing hesitant in his recoveries. After a critical mistake, Rafa lay on the pitch while Fofana and Calabria offered comfort, and Hernandez simply raised his arms in defeat after the second yellow goal.
These two talented players, Leao and Theo, were expected to lead the team, but instead, they became the primary hindrances in that match. While both players have received transfer interest over the summer, the club had only considered significant offers, which did not materialize. Rafa hasn’t publicly discussed his future, although the club has confirmed his desire to stay in Milan. Theo was more cryptic during the European Championship, but since then, he has shown no signs of unrest and has even appeared happily promoting the team’s new third kit.
Zlatan’s message was directed broadly, but the implication was clear—Theo and Leao were the focal points of his motivational speech. Talent is essential, but it means nothing without hard work. Ibra knows this better than anyone, and he has made sure the team understands it too.