Massimiliano Allegri eyes new role for Ibrahimovic
AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri has continued to back his new signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic, saying that his team should focus its tactics around the Swede to take advantage of his qualities in attack.
Like last year's runner-up team AS Roma, Milan has suffered from a lack of form in the first three rounds of this year's Serie A. After overcoming Lecce 4–0 in the first round, a defeat away to Cesena was followed up by a draw against Catania on Saturday.
"We have to find [Ibrahimovic] a little more with vertical balls or balls to his feet," Allegri said. "Also, he is very good at keeping hold of the ball, and he can send the other players in to finish off the action."
Ibrahimovic has yet to score a goal in the domestic league, but claimed his first two goals for the club against AJ Auxerre in the Champions League last week.
Ibrahimovic's versatility proven
At his previous clubs, the striker has played an instrumental role in setting up goals as well. Under Fabio Capello, at Juventus, Ibrahimovic played more as a supporting striker, providing several crucial assists for his team.
Pep Guardiola signed Ibrahimovic with the intention of deploying him as a target player in the middle of Barcelona's attacking line, but the 28-year-old's uncompromising playing style could not be accommodated at the club.
Allegri also added that Milan has made some crucial defensive mistakes during the first games of the season, for which they have had to pay a high cost.
"At the moment we are paying too much for the errors we are making. Milan was built to do great things and we will show this with time. Ibrahimovic and Ronaldinho? They have the qualities up front, but we have to improve our defence."
Milan travels to face Lazio on Wednesday for a challenging away game.
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