Mediaset: Ibrahimovic has a big say in who replaces Pioli – the man he wants

There have been a lot of questions regarding what Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s actual role at AC Milan will be, and it is now known that he will have a big say in who the next head coach is.

SportMediaset report that Gerry Cardinale’s words last night to the Financial Times dispelled any doubts: Ibrahimovic is a sort of deputy of the RedBird owner himself, who will have a real say in Milan’s future.

It must be remembered that Zlatan was asked a few weeks ago about the future of head coach Stefano Pioli, to which he responded: “Pioli is our coach, we are happy with him.” It is a statement that seems to have an expiration date.

A change at the end of the season – barring sensational twists – seems obvious. This was confirmed by Cardinale too as he expressed displeasure at the league placement and the excessive injuries, a sign that Pioli and his staff are in the docks.

Ibrahimovic wants a big name to replace Pioli and the man he has chosen is Antonio Conte, who in turn wants to get back into coaching but with an ambitious project. Ibra’s will is clear, but naturally many pieces must be put in the right place.

It starts from the summer mercato, where Conte will ask for large investments, and it remains to be understood whether the American owners intend to satisfy them. At the moment the only certainty is that the Swede’s influence on the future Milan will be enormous.