Fabio Capello sends warning to Milan over Zlatan Ibrahimović: ‘A negative for Pioli?’

Former Milan head coach Fabio Capello has on Monday sent a message of caution to his ex-employers, over the return of Zlatan Ibrahimović.

News of Swedish icon’s San Siro comeback was of course made official earlier today. On the back of a lengthy negotiation process spanning several months, RedBird Capital Partners announced that ‘Ibra’ has taken up a new role, in the Rossoneri boardroom.

His exact role is titled as an ‘Operating Partner at RedBird’, and ‘Senior Advisor to Ownership’.

Many of a Milan persuasion have already expressed their excitement at Ibrahimović’s return, on the back the prolific frontman’s fine playing stint in Diavolo colours.

As alluded to above, though, one individual of the opinion that the risk could yet outweigh the reward comes in the form of Fabio Capello.

Speaking to Sky Italia, as cited by TuttomercatoWeb, on Monday, Capello, who took his place in the dugout at San Siro on two separate occasions, explained his reservations regarding Ibrahimović’s role.

Specifically, the Italian expressed concern for Stefano Pioli, and his voice in the dressing room: 

“Ibra is an intelligent man, he can have a decisive role in certain moments and in certain situations. When he arrived at Milan as a player he was in the locker room. Now it will be in the locker room? Can you say something? Can you help Pioli? It could also be a negative move for Pioli who would lose his leadership, or, on the other side of the coin, incentivize staff and players to achieve important results.”

Capello continued:

“Should the club’s intervention be seen as filling the absence of players like Maldini and Massara? This is the question. I believe he can do this role, but he also has to do a bit of apprenticeship; he cannot enter Milan with his feet together, but enter with great attention and with the support of the club.”

Kaustubh Pandey | GIFN