Ibrahimovic on Milan controversy: ‘Kittens and lions, I am the boss’

Zlatan Ibrahimovic responded to criticism over his Milan role in his classic fashion, referring to ‘kittens and lions’ then joking he is ‘the boss’ at the club ahead of tonight’s Champions League Liverpool clash.

It kicks off at San Siro at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Juventus-PSV Eindhoven on the LIVEBLOG.

“This is an important week. First today with Liverpool, it arrives at the right moment for the team, after the most recent performance went well,” Ibrahimovic told Sky Sport Italia.

“We did not get the start we wanted this season, but we’ll get there, with some patience.”

The Swede has been away for 17 days on vacation, including during the chaos around Rafael Leao and Theo Hernandez being dropped against Lazio, then standing on the other side of the pitch while the rest of their teammates crowded around the coach for a cooling break.

“When the lions leave, the kittens encroach. When the lion returns, the kittens disappear,” replied Zlatan.

“All that is said, the level is too low. I am concentrated on my work. I was away for a few days due to personal reasons, but I am always present. We work hard, we keep going.”

Ibrahimovic role at Milan is not clear

What exactly is his role within the club as Special Advisor to RedBird?

“The role is simple, many talk. I am in command, I am the boss and all the rest works for me,” said Ibrahimovic with that cheeky glint in his eye.

Among those who questioned Ibra’s presence is Zvonimir Boban, who was a Milan director with Paolo Maldini before leaving in a row with the club owners.

Seeing as Boban was in the Sky Sport Italia studio as a pundit, Ibra referred to these previous comments.

“Even Boban hasn’t understood what my role is. I explain now. I am in charge, I am the boss and they all work for me. We work in silence.”

Are the ‘kittens’ Theo Hernandez and Rafael Leao, and did Ibrahimovic speak to them about this controversy?

“No, the kittens are not the team, they are those outside the team. I talked to the team, they are fired up and had a good game on Saturday.”

This is the first time since his retirement that the Swede has been on the touchline during the warm-up for a Champions League match, so how does it feel?

“It’s different now, I no longer have the same adrenaline. Obviously, I miss playing football, because those were great moments, but I don’t have the desire to return.”