Stefano Pioli reflects on AC Milan Scudetto and Ibrahimovic leadership

Former AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli has reflected on the club's 2022 Scudetto victory, highlighting the critical roles played by Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Simon Kjaer. In an interview with Corriere dello Sport, Pioli noted that the arrival of Ibrahimovic and Kjaer in January was a turning point that helped instill a winning mentality in a young squad.

Pioli described Ibrahimovic as a powerful leader whose physical presence and character changed the team's attitude, while Kjaer provided a quieter, individual form of leadership. The coach also revealed the nature of his professional relationship with Ibrahimovic, noting that upon their first meeting, the striker established a clear pact: “You coach, I player, I respect you, you speak clearly with me and I will always be on your side.”