Zlatan Ibrahimović’s Role at New AC Milan Under Gerry Cardinale Clarified

Gerry Cardinale has finalized the restructuring of AC Milan, bringing clarity to the future role of Zlatan Ibrahimović within the club’s new direction. Recent speculation regarding the Swedish football icon’s position has been addressed, with official reports indicating his function will be that of a consultant.

New Management Structure

While Ibrahimović’s influence on Gerry Cardinale’s decision-making in recent weeks has been evident, he will not hold a formal hierarchical position within the new Milan structure. This means he will not occupy a place in the direct chain of command alongside figures like Jovan Kirovski, who is described as Zlatan’s right-hand man and head of “Milan Futuro.”

At the apex of the Rossoneri’s leadership pyramid, a triumvirate will operate. This group includes the primary owner of RedBird, the coach Ruben Amorim, and the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer, Massimo Calvelli.

Under this top tier, a dedicated sporting department will be established. Hendrik Almstadt is slated to take on the role of Director Player Trading, a position akin to Sporting Director. He will be supported by Bobby Gardiner, who will serve as Director of Football Intelligence, tasked with identifying potential player acquisitions. Donato Lomonte will fill the role of Director of the Scouting Department.

Youth Sector Appointments

In the realm of youth development, Jovan Kirovski will continue his responsibilities as the Head of “Milan Futuro.” Vincenzo Vergine will oversee the club’s youth academy as the Head of Youth Sector.

Key Facts

The clarification of Ibrahimović’s role comes at a pivotal moment for AC Milan as the club aims to build a new era under Cardinale’s ownership. While not in a management or directorial position, Ibrahimović’s consultative capacity suggests his insights and experience will still be valued. This approach allows the club to leverage his considerable football knowledge without him being directly involved in the day-to-day operational hierarchy.

The establishment of distinct roles within the sporting department, including player trading, football intelligence, and scouting, signals a more structured and data-driven approach to squad building. The clear delineation of responsibilities for Hendrik Almstadt, Bobby Gardiner, and Donato Lomonte aims to optimize player acquisition and development strategies.

Similarly, the continued leadership of Jovan Kirovski and Vincenzo Vergine in youth development underscores the club’s commitment to nurturing future talent from within its academy systems. This focus on youth is often a cornerstone for long-term success in Italian football.

The precise nature of Ibrahimović’s consultative duties remains to be fully detailed, but his past involvement suggests he may offer strategic advice on player recruitment, team performance, and potentially even brand development. His iconic status within the game and his strong connection with the AC Milan fanbase could also play a role in his advisory capacity.

The new structure, with Cardinale, Amorim, and Calvelli at the helm, is designed to provide a clear leadership framework for the club’s future ambitions. The integration of specialized roles in the sporting and scouting departments indicates a modern management philosophy aimed at enhancing competitiveness both domestically and in European competitions.

Source: TuttoMercatoWeb, https://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/serie-a/ibra-fara-posizione-club-ruolo-milan-2246411