some stick or some carrot....what will it be Zlatan?

Milan coach Max Allegri has stated that star player Zlatan Ibrahimovic is keen to play again after using a bit of the old stick and carrot treatment on the Swede.

Ibrahimovic had recently said, in as many words, that he was ‘over’ the game and that he was looking forward to retirement. While we are all aware how hard a profession it can be, to play the game one used to play growing up and get paid zillions of dollars for it and live in some of the most beautiful cities in the world and to have fans adore you the world over – not to mention the lovely ladies all this attracts, Ibra’s words were completely at odds with what is expected of such a generously compensated professional.

But, lucky we have Max Allegri. I have repeatedly praised our young boss’s man-management skills which I believe is one of his greatest strengths. Few managers would be able to achieve what he has done with the complex natures of players like Ibra, Antonio Cassano and Robinho.

All these players have been throughout their careers much maligned characters as a result of their numerous disputes with anyone who came their way be it player, manager, fan, president or some innocent journalist.

But, in the case of Cassano and Roby both are perhaps enjoying the most stable and fruitful periods of their careers to date while Ibra is again the star of the show in Milan after his disappointing spell in Barcelona. Most of all this is down to Allegri’s handling of them. Bravo Max.

“Zlatan is like everyone else. He needed a little bit of the carrot and stick treatment,” Allegri was quoted by milannews.it.

“Ibrahimovic never wants to lose and sometimes he takes on an extra responsibility regarding this, more than what is necessary.

“But, he is a champion who is always able to make a difference.”

Meanwhile our wily tactician has pledged that he will sign a contract extension soon with the club which is more good news.

He told GQ magazine, “I will renew when the club call me.

“We have already spoken and the meeting ended with a handshake. The signature is the only thing missing; that will be taken care of later.”