Conte responds to Ibrahimovic’s coach/manager comments: “I want to have a say” | OneFootball

Napoli coach Antonio Conte has responded to Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s recent comments about the Italian being a manager rather than a coach and not being the right fit for Milan.

Speaking during his press conference as the new Napoli coach today (via Pianeta Milan), the former Inter and Juventus coach was asked about Ibrahimovic’s recent comments.

The Swede said when unveiling Paulo Fonseca as the new Milan boss that the Portuguese was more of a coach than a manager which suits Milan, meaning that he is content with coaching the players at his disposal rather than trying to be involved in the full sporting direction of the club.

“We studied the coach, his game. Then when Fonseca came out you want to meet the person. Face to face. Then you get the feeling, you make demands. You want to improve. Milan has a coach, not a manager. The Conte situation… We haven’t discussed it. He’s not what we were looking for,” Ibrahimovic said.

Conte was asked about these comments and whilst staying respectful, he agreed that he is more of a manager and likes to have a say on certain matters, which may not be welcome everywhere.

“Ibrahimovic’s words? I respect everyone. He said he considers me more of a manager? I consider myself a manager, I want to have a say and maybe somewhere else that might have bothered people,” Conte said.