Ibrahimovic speaks on Felix-Kaka comparisons, Empoli controversy and Milan’s post-January aims | OneFootball

Today, for the first time as an AC Milan player, Joao Felix spoke to the media in a press conference, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic was on hand to answer some questions as well.

Leading up to January, and even before that, Ibrahimovic has been quite a topic. Some believe he is in a role too soon, whilst others have voiced their concerns about the Swede’s ability to operate in the role in which he finds himself in.

Recruitment has been the largest frustration, but the January mercato was certainly more positive, with Milan spending heavily on targets across the pitch, and as a result, there is more hope going into the second half of the season.

However, no one is getting carried away because of a few transfers, and consistency will once again be the keyword in the remaining months of the season.

Today, sat next to Felix, Zlatan spoke to the press about the move and Milan’s season moving forward, and Milan News have his comments.

Do you want all 4 forwards on the pitch together?

“When we did this transfer market we tried to give the coach two teams. We play a lot, we need alternatives. The coach has many options now. If they defend they can all play together.

“We need balance, defend and attack. The important thing is to have given the coach two teams and many alternatives. It’s up to him to decide who to play, no one is guaranteed a place on the pitch. We hope that Joao can also become a Milan legend.”

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How much did Conceiçao insist on having Joao Felix?

“When his name came out we talked about it. Then when we decided in 5 minutes we closed. Conceiçao wanted him strongly, he knew him well, and he is a friend of his son. After we decided to focus on him, things went well. The negotiation went quickly.”

After Empoli, there was a lot of controversy over the refereeing…

“I always ask the players to be polite with the referee. At half time I asked the referee to respect the Milan players. I was surprised that the players said nothing because if things go badly for him he will be out for a year.

“Tomori? It is the consequence of when you let the game continue. For us it is not acceptable, we will send a letter to the AIA, it is not an acceptable situation.

“We found ourselves with one man less, while they should have been with 10 for the foul on Walker. Then he comes from the Premier League and does not make a scene. I ask for respect for Milan and for its players.”

From player to manager. What has changed?

“Every day is a new experience. I would like to be on the pitch to help the team, this makes me angry, but I try to help them from the outside. We are confident, we are a team that works to find the right solutions.

“It is not a one-man show. Every day is an experience. Today I learned that the referees are under the AIA. Without a smile, the letter arrives…”

Why is it that sometimes the approach is not the right one or there is a big difference between the first and second half?

“It depends on how you prepare for the games. Against the big teams, you have more motivation, but it must be the same with the small ones. You immediately understand the mood of the team, then the coach tries to change this mood.

“It is important to have the right continuity. We have had high and low moments, we must have greater balance. Now things have changed a bit, but we can still improve. Now there are more alternatives.

“The coach’s game is intense, intensity is needed. The real team comes out in February, first, it is important to get as many points as possible. We are a bit behind now and we must recover points, but we are charged after the transfer market.

“We were not happy, now this team must bring Milan back to the top.”

Who does Joao Felix remind you of?

“It’s hard to make comparisons, it’s not even fair. Against Roma, he scored with a chip, while against Empoli he missed. I already told him he had to score and close the game [they laugh]. The magic comes once. Kakà was fluid, and dynamic. He likes to play more little games, and Kakà was more concrete. But Joao is still young.”