Ibrahimovic confirms appointment of ex-LA Galaxy director Kirovski at Milan | OneFootball

Red Bird advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic confirms that ex-LA Galaxy director Jovan Kirovski will be in charge of Milan‘s Academy, including ‘Milan Futuro’, the Rossoneri’s second team coached by Daniele Bonera.

Bonera was officially unveiled as the Milan Futuro head coach during a press conference on Thursday.

The Rossoneri recently launched their second team, which will play in Serie C in 2024-25.

Milan are the third Serie A club to launch a second team after Juventus and Atalanta.

Kirovski, a former American footballer and an ex-technical director for MLS side LA Galaxy, will oversee the project, while ex-Milan defender Bonera will be the coach.

Red Bird advisor Ibrahimovic unveiled Bonera at a press conference today when he confirmed Kirovski’s appointment as well. The 48-year-old was also present at Milanello.

Ibrahimovic confirms appointment of ex-LA Galaxy director Kirovski at Milan

“Kirovski will be responsible for Milan Futuro,” Ibrahimovic said as quoted by Milannews.

“He played in many clubs as a professional football player, and he comes from the USA. He worked for LA Galaxy, and he’s a high-level profile for us. The coach will be Daniele Bonera, who has great experience as a footballer and played for Milan for many years.

“We want our talents to have a chance to play for the first team,” continued the ex-striker, who was a player for LA Galaxy when Kirovski was at the club.

“The gulf between the senior team and Primavera is too big. At 16 or 17, a Primavera player is physically not ready for the first team. With Milan Futuro, they will have time to grow. Serie C is on a different level, and we are preparing these guys to play with adults. It will be very difficult and we must find balance. It’s a new thing for us, but we are prepared and organised, it’s all under control.

“We want to prove that we believe in our talents and give them a chance to play for the first team,” continued Ibra.

“There is distance between Primavera and the first team. The Primavera will train at the Vismara training ground because they need desire and motivation to reach a dream and play for the first team. Milan Futuro is a step in the middle, where our greatest talents will play.

“Kirovski will be responsible for the growth of the Academy. He will be in charge of transfers and be responsible for Milan Futuro and other youth teams. We needed somebody with the same ambition and vision as us. Somebody who speaks the same language and has the same vision. We want high-level profiles in every department of the club. We want to be the best and do our best.”