CM: ‘A cultural revolution’ – how Ibrahimovic silenced rumours of tension with Conceicao | OneFootball

Tonight is a big night for AC Milan as they look to continue their journey in the Champions League by overturning the first leg deficit and beating Feyenoord.

Someone who knows this more than most is Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who Calciomercato.com describe as being ‘precise, direct, ambitious and even diplomatic when needed’. Ibrahimovic is increasingly convincing from a communication point of view and increasingly comfortable in his new role as a director.

After about a year of learning on the job, the Swede has fine-tuned his approach when it comes to public comments and conveying the right messages. This was shown in the pre-match press conference he did yesterday, standing in for the absent Sergio Conceicao.

“The team must be focused, aggressive and more concrete tomorrow than in the first leg. They must enter with the mentality that it is like a final. The important thing is to win, even if it is obvious that you want to play well,” he said.

“We are one goal down, we must get a result to advance. Everyone must push their teammate and make them focused. It is a collective thing that begins with some individuality. Even those on the bench must push, it is all connected to the collective. This is what makes a group and a team.”

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It is an important signal that will silence the rumours of a contrasting vision with that of Conceição considering that these concepts have been repeated with great firmness by the Portuguese coach since his first day in charge.

In essence, Ibra and Conceicao agree that this squad is one that have been guilty completely misjudging the approach to the games that could have marked a turning point in the season, not showing the hunger and desire required for a club of this stature.

The report speaks of a ‘cultural revolution’ started by Conceicao and embraced by Zlatan, with a key message: everyone must contribute to the cause. Another example is Leao, who both figures say is one of the best in the world but must tap into the right mentality to realise his potential.