Ibrahimovic steps in for Conceicao: ‘Milan need the mentality of a final’ | OneFootball

Zlatan Ibrahimovic believes that Milan need to treat the second leg of their Champions League play-off tie against Feyenoord like a final, but insists that the support of 80,000 people in San Siro will give the players an enormous push towards the round of 16.

Ibrahimovic stood in for Sergio Conceicao at today’s press conference, as the Milan coach is currently in Portugal for the funeral of former Porto President Jorge Pinto da Costa.

“It’s a rare situation that I’m here. The coach is coming back from Portugal,” Ibrahimovic explained, reported via TMW.

The Swede also conducted post-match media duties after Milan’s 1-0 win over Hellas Verona at the weekend, just after Conceicao had learned of Pinto da Costa’s passing.

Ibrahimovic assesses Milan-Feyenoord second leg: ‘Fans are important’

Milan are halfway through their Champions League play-off tie against Feyenoord, and trail by a goal to nil after their disappointing loss at De Kuip last week.

Ibrahimovic felt that the Feyenoord supporters made a big difference last time out, but expects the same to be the case when Milan step out onto their home pitch.

“Our fans are important. Their supporters gave a big push in Rotterdam, but I am confident that tomorrow with 80 thousand Milan fans in the stadium and those around the world will give maximum support to the team, who will then take this energy and try to do the best possible.”

On Milan’s form this season, Ibrahimovic admitted that there have been a series of ups and downs: “Low moments can happen. It’s not easy being at the top every day, but you have to work hard in the long run. We are working on mentality, things about the team.”

epa11891805 Igor Paixao of Feyenoord (L) in action against Kyle Walker during the UEFA Champions League playoff first leg soccer match between Feyenoord and AC Milan, in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, 12 February 2025. EPA-EFE/SEM VAN DER WAL

He also gave an eye-raising quote about his relationship with the players, comparing his role to that of a loving husband.

“I talk to the players every day, we try to find solutions, but there shouldn’t be too much information. If you talk too much, things won’t go in. It’s like telling your wife that you love her everyday, but in the end you have to show it with your actions.”

Ibrahimovic: Milan need a ‘final’ mentality

epa11899485 Players of AC Milan greet their supporters after winning the Italian Serie A soccer match against Hellas Verona FC in Milan, Italy, 15 February 2025. EPA-EFE/ROBERTO BREGANI

So, what do Milan need to do to overturn their 1-0 deficit against Feyenoord?

“They have to have a ‘final’ mentality. It’s important to play well, but it’s more important to win, we have to get a result to get through,” Ibrahimovic said.

“We are down by a goal, but we have to get the result. Everyone has to push their teammate and make him be more focussed. It’s a collective thing that starts individually. Even those on the bench have to push. That’s what makes a group a team.”

And how much would a win mean to him?

“It’s personally important for me, because I am a winner and I want to win. I want to get results. I’m not one who tries to do nice things that don’t go down in history, the opposite: I try to make a difference to create history. To make history, you have to win.

“This is Milan. If you look at the Champions League, Milan has created history. And we want to continue. We’ll all push from the outside, we’ll all help.”