AC Milan manager, Stefano Pioli, has hailed Zlatan Ibrahimovic as the ‘solution provider’ who has helped the club hit a resurgence form in the the second round of the 2019/20 Serie A season.
The 38 year old Swede who prides himself as The Lion, has asserted himself well in Pioli’s squad – in his second stint at the club, in the twight of his career, after arriving as a free agent in January following the expiration of his contract with LA Galaxy.
Ibrahimovic has so far netted eight goals, plus four assists in 18 matches for Milan. And Pioli talks up his contributions in glowing terms.
Milan are going for broke in their remaining two games of the season in Serie A, hoping to beat Roma to the fifth position which is an automatic Europa League spot. Pioli appreciates Ibrahimovic as a great contributor to his team’s positive turnaround in the second half of the campaign.
“Ibra has improved us in many ways on the pitch, giving us solutions we didn’t previously have. He has an important presence both physically and technically and creates a lot of space for his team-mates. Regarding his personality and character, he was definitely
decisive,” Pioli told journalist during his Tuesday press conference ahead of their match against Sampdoria on Wednesday.
He also hailed the resourcefulness of another January arrival, Simon Kjaer, who has effectively bolstered Milan’s defence.
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“Kjaer is doing well and is another January signing that has contributed in an important way,” Pioli said.
“We now have a couple of games remaining. We should face each game with the right determination and concentration.
“The matches must be played with great respect. Sampdoria are doing well and gave Juventus difficulties. They are playing with ease because they have reached their target.”
He added: “We have to believe we can catch them. We don’t have much time and it is not just up to us.
“We are focused on tomorrow’s game against Sampdoria, who know how to cover the field well. We will have to be at our best.
“Winning is the only way we can have any hope. Then we will wait for Roma’s result (vs Torino). I’ll ask my players for one final effort.”
