Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s return to AC Milan’s training session ahead of their UEFA Champions League opener against Newcastle United has stirred excitement among fans.
This visit comes on the heels of Milan’s painful 5-1 defeat to Inter Milan in the weekend’s Milan derby. In a show of unity and determination, Ibrahimovic joined forces with AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli during the practice.
Milan’s faithful supporters are optimistic that Ibrahimovic‘s presence on the training pitch will serve as a catalyst for a resounding comeback in their upcoming Champions League clash with Newcastle United.
During the training session, the legendary player engaged in a conversation with Pioli and his assistant, symbolizing their collective commitment to the team’s success.
Newcastle won’t know what hit them 😁
— Take it or Leave it (@Chesttiny) September 18, 2023
Online discussions have been buzzing with enthusiasm as Ibrahimovic takes on a different role with AC Milan. Fans are placing their bets in favor of Milan, expressing sentiments like “Newcastle won’t know what hit them,” “Zlatan coming out of retirement as a coach? Exciting times ahead,” and “His support will have a significant impact“.
Ibrahimovic bid farewell to professional soccer in front of a packed San Siro during AC Milan’s final game of the 2022-23 season in June. His illustrious career featured 163 matches for the Milan side, accompanied by an impressive tally of 93 goals and 35 assists. His contributions played a pivotal role in securing two Italian League titles, one in the 2010-11 season and another in the 2021-22 season.
Stefano Pioli to make changes for AC Milan ahead of Champions League opener
In anticipation of their Champions League opener, AC Milan’s manager, Stefano Pioli, is contemplating adjustments to his lineup following the team’s dismal performance in the Milan derby over the weekend.
Reports from Sky Sport Italia suggest that Pioli is likely to make changes to his starting XI for their upcoming home match against Newcastle on Tuesday. One notable alteration is the anticipated inclusion of Samuel Chukwueze on the right wing, potentially replacing Christian Pulisic.
Zlatan #Ibrahimovic a colloquio con Stefano Pioli, vigilia di Milan Newcastle pic.twitter.com/WLcHUCq5c5
— Luca Maninetti (@LucaManinetti) September 18, 2023
Additionally, Fikayo Tomori, who was suspended for the Inter match, is poised to return to the lineup, while Simon Kjaer may make way for him. It’s worth noting that Pulisic, despite his impressive recent performances with back-to-back Serie A goals at the start of the season, could find himself disappointed if he is relegated to the bench.
AC Milan’s aspiration is to commence their Champions League campaign with a victory at home, a crucial objective given their placement in the challenging ‘Group of Death,’ which includes formidable opponents such as Newcastle United, PSG, and Dortmund.
