In a recent interview with The Athletic, Zlatan Ibrahimovic shared his thoughts on leadership and coaching. The football legend emphasized the importance of personal responsibility among players and expressed his clear stance on avoiding a coaching career.
Responsibility and Dedication
Ibrahimovic highlighted his expectation for players to be self-motivated and accountable. “I’m not a babysitter. My players, they’re adults and they have to take responsibility. They have to do 200 per cent even when I’m not there,” he stated. This perspective underscores his belief that players should be committed and driven, regardless of direct supervision.
Reluctance to Coach
When discussing the possibility of taking on a coaching role, Ibrahimovic was candid about his lack of interest. “You see my grey hair? Fully grey hair is after one week as a coach,” he quipped. He explained that the demanding nature of coaching, which can involve up to 12-hour days and little free time, is not appealing to him.
Preferred Role
Instead of coaching, Ibrahimovic sees himself in a different leadership capacity. “My role is to connect everything; to be a leader from above and make sure the structure and organisation works. To keep everybody on their toes,” he said. This approach allows him to influence and inspire without the intense day-to-day demands of coaching.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s comments reflect his preference for a leadership role that balances influence and autonomy. By expecting high standards of responsibility and dedication from players, he aims to foster a culture of self-motivation. While coaching may not be in his future, Ibrahimovic’s vision of leadership ensures that he remains a significant and impactful figure in the world of football.