Zlatan Ibrahimovic returned in an executive role at AC Milan last December, but isn't interested in having a managerial career for now.
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Ibrahimovic retired from football in 2023Returned to Milan as an advisorDoesn't want to pursue coachingFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Iconic former striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic was recently asked if he was open to venturing into coaching someday, but the Swede issued a staunch clarification, stating that he won't be pursuing a career in coaching. Ibrahimovic enjoyed a glittering career playing for several elite clubs across Europe and was touted to manage a football team upon retirement.
AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Ibrahimovic retired from football in June 2023 at the age of 41, but returned to AC Milan last December in an executive role, which sees him serve as an advisor to the club's principal owners, RedBird Capital Partners. However, the former Inter, Ajax, PSG, Barcelona, and Manchester United talisman has denied any interest in having a managerial career.
WHAT ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC SAID
Ibrahimovic gave his thoughts on pursuing a career in coaching in an interview with Sports Illustrated: "Do I still not see myself as a coach? Currently, yes. I don't want to be a coach because it's too much work for me. You have to cover so many areas, find ideas and solutions, prepare and follow the games and coach. You work day and night. A year as a coach seems like ten years to me. So it doesn't appeal to me.
"Many coaches have a philosophy and a style of play, and then the individual player becomes insignificant because everyone is forced to adopt a tactic or a system as a single part. Of course, a coach's philosophy is important and is used to manage the team. But I think the individual player is the most important thing in the team. Because he goes on the pitch and makes the difference. And in general I don't think football becomes boring. Instead, I feel it continues to grow. You just have to be intelligent and not close yourself off to new developments."
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR AC MILAN?
The Rossoneri suffered their fourth Serie A loss of the season last weekend as Atalanta beat them 2-1. Up next for them is a crucial Champions League fixture against Crvena zvezda on Wednesday, December 11.
