Ibrahimovic: ‘Milan gamble on Conceicao, no need to convince Rashford’ | OneFootball

Zlatan Ibrahimovic said Milan directors ‘took a gamble’ sacking Paulo Fonseca for Sergio Conceicao, but assures he has no need to convince Marcus Rashford. ‘Milan is one of the biggest clubs in the world.’

The game with Cagliari kicks off at San Siro at 19.45 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s four Serie A games on the Liveblog.

The Rossoneri made a drastic decision on December 30 after the 1-1 draw with Roma, sacking Paulo Fonseca to bring in Conceicao, but few expected such a dramatic impact.

He oversaw comeback victories over Juventus and Inter to lift the Supercoppa Italiana trophy in Riyadh, celebrating with a cigar and dance in the locker room.

Ibrahimovic explains Milan change of coach

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – JANUARY 06: Sergio Conceicao, Head Coach of AC Milan, celebrates after Christian Pulisic of AC Milan (not pictured) scores his team’s second goal during the Italian Super Cup Final between FC Internazionale and AC Milan at Kingdom Arena on January 06, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images)

“What we wanted was a reaction, to shock the team with this change of coach. The important thing is that the team accepted the way Sergio Conceicao works, he won the Supercoppa, but if we don’t keep that run going, then the Supercoppa will be worth less,” Ibrahimovic told Sky Sport Italia.

“It is important to keep that reaction going and pick up the points to climb the table.”

Considering the difference made by Sergio Conceicao, who had been on the short-list over the summer, do Milan regret not choosing him in the first place?

“There are no regrets. When you make your decision, you have to believe in it and we did, but there was a lack of consistency and we had to take a gamble,” assured Ibrahimovic.

“We are a team, we work together and every decision is made together. We all have our own responsibilities and obviously this is a new experience for me, I learn every day, and started at a club where the pressure is always at the maximum. I am not afraid of a challenge, quite the opposite, it fires me up. I am humble and know I must improve with time.”

Humble is not a word generally associated with Ibrahimovic.

“I am humble when I win or lose, but arrogant when I play,” he grinned.

There are multiple reports that Milan are trying to bring in Rashford on loan from Manchester United, but face strong competition from Juventus and above all Barcelona.

Considering they are former teammates, has Ibrahimovic tried to convince the England striker to join them?

“I know Rashford very well, I played with him when he was young, now he’s a grown-up and has done great things with Manchester United. I don’t think I need to convince him, because Milan are one of the biggest clubs in the world and everyone wants to come here.

“As of today, it is not an easy operation, but we have not spoken to him yet. We’ll see if we will speak to him.”