Zlatan Ibrahimovic, serving as a senior advisor to the ownership group and senior management at Milan, has identified a prospective replacement for the current coach, Stefano Pioli, for when his tenure at San Siro concludes. According to a report by SempreMilan, Ibrahimovic’s preferred successor to Pioli is Antonio Conte.
Conte has been without a managerial position for nearly a year, having been relieved of his duties at Premier League club Tottenham on March 26, 2023. Over the past eleven months, various reports suggest that Conte is deliberating over potential projects that align with his ambitions. Speculation has arisen regarding a potential return to Italy with either Milan or Napoli, while the possibility of taking charge at Bayern Munich or securing another role in the Premier League has also been discussed.
It is evident within Milan’s inner circles that Ibrahimovic will wield significant influence in discussions concerning the appointment of the next Rossoneri coach. This influence was highlighted when Ibrahimovic appeared alongside RedBird owner Gerry Cardinale at the Financial Times Business of Football summit in London. During the summit, Cardinale clarified Ibrahimovic’s roles and responsibilities within the club, emphasizing his authority to oversee club staff in the absence of the principal leadership.
In his capacity as a Senior Advisor to the board, Ibrahimovic brings over two decades of European football experience to Milan’s decision-making processes.