Chiellini Details Juventus Project While Reflecting on Ibrahimovic's Milan Role
Giorgio Chiellini has detailed the ongoing project at Juventus while reflecting on the contrasting executive roles held by himself and former teammate Zlatan Ibrahimovic at their respective clubs. Speaking in Turin, the former Juventus captain, now the club's Director of Football Strategy, emphasized the importance of balancing long-term vision with short-term objectives. Chiellini pointed to the development of young players like Kenan Yildiz as evidence of the plan's success, while also acknowledging the constant pressure for immediate results.
Chiellini specifically highlighted his influence in the decision to extend the contract of manager Luciano Spalletti, a move he strongly advocated for. "I was convinced he could be the guide for the near future and so it has been," Chiellini said, according to reports from TuttoSport. He praised Spalletti's man-management, stating the coach knows precisely when to increase pressure on players and when to relieve it, a quality Chiellini attributes to great managers.
The executive's comments stand in contrast to the current position of Ibrahimovic at AC Milan. The Swedish icon, a former teammate of Chiellini's at Juventus in 2005, now serves as an official advisor to the club's ownership, RedBird Capital. Chiellini noted the "big difference" between an operational director like himself and an ownership advisor, suggesting Ibrahimovic's day-to-day influence has lessened since Milan strengthened its front-office leadership. Reports indicate Ibrahimovic, while still a daily presence at Milanello, is no longer as centrally involved as he was immediately following his retirement.
Looking at the Serie A landscape, Chiellini offered a pragmatic analysis of Milan's season under Stefano Pioli, whom he did not mention by name. He stated that while Milan had a good campaign and dreamed of catching Inter, he personally believed their true objective was always securing Champions League qualification. He credited Inter's dominant consistency for creating the final gap, with the surprise of the season being newly-promoted Como's extraordinary performance.
The reunion of these two iconic figures in executive suites underscores a shift in their post-playing careers. Chiellini, 39, has taken a hands-on strategic role at Juventus, directly impacting football operations. Ibrahimovic, 42, leverages his stature and experience in a more advisory capacity for Milan's American owners. Their differing paths will see them cross paths once more at San Siro, this time in suits rather than kits, as they navigate the challenges of club building from the boardroom.
