The relationship between Zlatan Ibrahimović and Massimiliano Allegri has reportedly reached a complete breakdown, with the two individuals understood to have not spoken for some time. This ongoing internal tension at Milan continues to surface, according to journalist Monica Colombo.
Colombo, writing for Corriere della Sera and elaborating on her findings in an interview with the Milan Vibes YouTube channel (via MilanNews.it), depicted a club fractured into factions, with past results having previously masked these underlying issues.
“Everything happening around Milan is rather turbulent,” she stated. “The squad environment has inevitably been shaken by the various internal tensions. What is happening is that Milan is splitting into currents, while results were useful, the dust had been swept under the carpet, but old tensions resurfaced at the first opportunity.”
Ibrahimović Absent from Milan for Three Months Amid Allegri Standoff
The specifics of this fallout are reportedly damaging. Colombo reports that Ibrahimović has not been present in the dressing rooms at San Siro or Milanello for approximately three months, and no face-to-face meeting has occurred between the two men to resolve the situation.
“In this moment the two are not speaking and continuing this way is not possible,” she said.
The immediate catalyst for this rift is understood to have been a disagreement over the selection of the third goalkeeper for the upcoming season, though Colombo clarified that this was merely a pretext.
More seriously, Allegri is reportedly angered by the discovery of communications between Ibrahimović and players Rafael Leão and Youssouf Fofana. In these exchanges, the Swedish icon allegedly provided tactical advice to the players that directly contradicted the coach’s instructions during training sessions.
Furthermore, news of Ibrahimović’s contacts with Antonio Cassano is also said to have done little to ease the prevailing atmosphere within the club.