Ibrahimovic: Milan lacked ‘maturity against Feyenoord’, but referee was ‘harsh’ | OneFootball

Milan advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic believes Szymon Mariniak’s decision to give Theo Hernandez a second yellow card for simulation against Feyenoord was ‘harsh’, but insisted the Rossoneri are ‘disappointed and angry’ with themselves for not being able to react to the incident.

Sergio Conceiçao’s side was reduced to ten men at the beginning of the second half, with the France international sent off for diving after receiving the ball from Rafael Leao in the opponents’ box.

Milan’s attitude changed after the red card, as they looked more timid and started to sit back, allowing Feyenoord to equalise after 73 minutes.

MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 18: Kyle Walker of AC Milan reacts towards referee Szymon Marciniak during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off second leg match between AC Milan and Feyenoord at San Siro Stadium on February 18, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Ibrahimovic did not want to justify the Rossoneri’s disappointing campaign in the Champions League with ‘excuses or complaints’, but he guaranteed that the current side is ‘twice as strong’ as his title-winning team coached by Stefano Pioli.

Ibrahimovic: This team ‘twice as strong’ as my Milan side

“We are disappointed and angry,” Ibrahimovic told Sky Sport Italia after the match.

“There was a lack of maturity, but the referee was harsh: a simulation in a match like this—at least give a warning. This episode changed the game.

“Now the team must stay united, put this match behind us, and focus on the league. We suffer tonight, then from tomorrow, we prepare for the next goal.

“When these situations happen, you can’t really say whether they are fair or not. Theo is not an actor; he plays his game. On the first booking, he pulled the shirt, but these things happen on the pitch.

“We are angry with ourselves; the opponent was stronger than us. We are not angry with the referee—it’s our fault, no excuses or complaints.

“We must look in the mirror and recognise our mistakes to improve and move forward.

“Red cards are situations that happen on the field. Against Empoli, we received an unfair red card, but these things occur in a game, and we can’t control them. We need to stay calm and focused on the pitch.”

MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 18: Joao Felix of AC Milan controls the ball whilst under pressure from David Hancko of Feyenoord during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off second leg match between AC Milan and Feyenoord at San Siro Stadium on February 18, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

The RedBird advisor has a clear idea of what Milan could have done better against Feyenoord.

“A lot more,” Ibrahimovic continued.

“After the match, you can say many things; during the game, there were many things we could have done. We started well, both in the first and second half, but then we had to play with one man down.

“Today, getting knocked out of the Champions League is a disappointment. At the start of the season, it’s obvious you want to win. We won the Super Cup and advanced in the Coppa Italia.

“Things don’t always go as you want; we weren’t satisfied and made moves in the January transfer window to change the situation, but there are no guarantees.

“I want to see a dominant Milan. I remember when I arrived four or five years ago, and it wasn’t the Milan everyone was used to, but then it grew.

“I stopped playing; if I could have continued, I would have played. I can say that today’s team has more chances of winning than the team that won the title. It’s twice as strong: in terms of quality, it’s better.