With Rasmus Krösche confirmed as AC Milan’s new Technical Director, one of the most sensitive and debated topics returns sharply to the fore: what will happen to Zlatan Ibrahimović’s role within the club?
Krösche: A Decisive Character Who Tolerates No Interference
The German executive — previously Sporting Director at Eintracht Frankfurt and RB Leipzig — is well known across Europe for his sharp vision and strong personality. Those who know him well describe Krösche as someone who demands full control of the sporting department, with clear and respected roles at every level. He is not a figure who tolerates overlap or outside interference in his area of responsibility.
That is precisely the kind of quality a club needs when its internal governance has not always been straightforward on the technical and sporting front. As already explored in depth, Krösche’s method and the Ibrahimović factor are among the most important junctions of Milan’s new direction.
Ibrahimović: RedBird Advisor, but With Influence Well Beyond His Title
Zlatan Ibrahimović is not formally an AC Milan executive. His official title is RedBird advisor — the ownership fund behind the club. Yet his presence in the corridors of Casa Milan — particularly on the fourth floor — has been anything but low-key. Over recent years, the Swede has exerted tangible influence over internal dynamics: from transfer decisions to player relationships and, according to multiple journalistic accounts, even relations with head coaches.
The issue isn’t his presence per se — having one of the most decorated players in football history as a reference point can be an asset — but the boundaries of his involvement. There is a difference between offering strategic vision and inspiration, and intervening in day-to-day technical decisions.
The Question Everyone Is Asking
With Krösche at the helm of the sporting department, will Ibrahimović be willing to take a step back? It’s a question many inside the football world are asking. The Swede has always had a larger-than-life personality — a trait that made him an elite champion on the pitch, but one that can generate friction in a front-office setting if not managed with balance.
It should be noted: Ibrahimović is currently involved with the World Cup in the United States, so the issue is not immediately pressing. But when he returns, a confrontation with Krösche will be unavoidable. The structure of the new Milan calls for clear roles and defined hierarchies — who does what must be transparent.
The Biggest Internal Challenge of the New Milan
Building a winning project requires unity, clarity of vision, and respect for roles. Milan has chosen the path of a professional, structured leadership — with Amorim on the bench and Krösche guiding the sporting side. For this project to truly work, it will be essential that every figure involved, including Ibrahimović, finds their space without overlapping with those who carry direct responsibilities.
It is an internal challenge, but no less important than the ones that will be played out on the pitch. The future of AC Milan is being built right now, brick by brick, role by role.
