‘Greater detachment’ – Sky journalist explains RedBird’s stance amid Ibra’s absence | OneFootball

Sky Sport Italia journalist Peppe Di Stefano has explained what RedBird Capital Group think about Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s recent absence from proceedings.

Speaking on Sky Sport Italia (via Radio Rossoneri), Di Stefano assessed the unusual situation surrounding Ibrahimovic whose role has caused a lot of confusion in recent weeks.

People have been very quick to notice that Ibrahimovic was not at the Stadio Olimpico for Milan’s 2-2 draw with Lazio and he has then not been seen around Milanello during the international break.

Di Stefano claims that Ibrahimovic had left Milan 48 hours before the match against Lazio, but the reasoning for his absence is not clear.

“Ibra is Milan’s totem today. He was not at the third league game in Rome against Lazio, he had already left Milan I think 48 hours earlier, on Thursday. Ibrahimovic hasn’t been seen recently at Milanello,” he said.

The other insinuation from Di Stefano was that Ibrahimovic deserted Paulo Fonseca at a time when he really needed some support from the upper management at Milan given Theo Hernandez and Rafael Leao had caused a media storm by ignoring the coach during a cooling break.

“After what happened, the cooling break event and in general, it was the moment where the coach needed support from the management above all. And at the moment, I repeat and underline at the moment, Ibra’s presence is not confirmed even at San Siro for the match between Milan and Venezia. His return to Milan should take place in the next few days anyway, at worst he will be there against Liverpool,” Di Stefano said.

Di Stefano goes on to say that this is a clear shift from the times where the likes of Adriano Galliani, Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara could always be seen at matches.

“It is clear and evident that things are mixed: on the field and off-field. Milan over the years, in the days of Galliani and on with all the other managers up to Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara, were used to having fixed and constant presences within the Milanello world,” he said.

“Presences that in a particular way to the coach would lighten the tasks not only tactical but also and especially related perhaps to behavioural issues, as happened in the match ten days ago at the Olimpico. It is clear that the idea of this club is currently a different one: to experience the sporting environment with greater detachment.”