Zlatan Ibrahimovic visited AC Milan's dressing room on Monday following their Supercoppa victory. The club, featuring Tijjani Reijnders, defeated Internazionale 2-3 in Saudi Arabia. "This is Milan; we play to win trophies."

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has now spent a year serving as an advisor for AC Milan, a role that has allowed the legendary striker to continue his involvement with the club where he enjoyed some of the most successful moments of his career.

As an advisor, Ibrahimovic has taken on a position that blends mentorship, strategic input, and a symbolic presence, embodying the club's tradition of excellence. This influence was on full display after AC Milan’s recent victory over Inter Milan in the Supercoppa Italiana, where he joined the players in the dressing room to celebrate the team’s success.

"We have achieved one of our objectives. We were looking for a response, and this is our response," Ibrahimovic stated emphatically after the game. The victory marked Sergio Conceição’s first trophy as head coach of Milan, and Ibrahimovic was quick to commend both the players and the coaching staff for their efforts. "You've done an amazing job in just a few days," he said, addressing the technical staff. "The same goes for the players. When a team is determined to win, it becomes difficult to beat."

Ibrahimovic also used the moment to inspire the squad, emphasizing the importance of maintaining this winning mindset. "I want us to carry this mentality back to Italy and pick up points to be where we belong. This is Milan; we play to win trophies. Those who want to make history must win titles." His words were a rallying cry, reminding everyone of the club’s illustrious history and the standards they are expected to uphold.

Despite this uplifting moment, AC Milan’s current position in Serie A is far from ideal. The Rossoneri find themselves in a disappointing eighth place, a stark contrast to the club’s ambitions and the expectations of its fanbase. The rocky start to the season has left the team battling inconsistency, and Ibrahimovic has not been immune to criticism during this period. Early in the campaign, when results were poor, the former Milan star was notably absent from the public eye, raising questions about his involvement and influence as an advisor.

One of the most controversial moments came after a frustrating draw against Roma, when Ibrahimovic delegated post-match media duties to then-coach Paulo Fonseca, who has since been dismissed. The decision drew sharp criticism, with many feeling it signaled a lack of accountability. Ibrahimovic later admitted that his choice was a mistake, acknowledging that it was "unfortunate" and did little to support the team during a critical moment.

Despite these setbacks, Ibrahimovic's presence in the dressing room remains significant. Judging by the reaction of the players following the Supercoppa triumph, he continues to command respect and admiration among the squad. His larger-than-life personality and winning mentality have always been integral to his influence, and his ability to connect with players and inspire them is as evident as ever.

The victory over Inter not only secured silverware but also provided a much-needed boost to the team’s morale. For Ibrahimovic, it was an opportunity to reinforce the club’s identity and remind the players of the values that define AC Milan. The focus now shifts back to Serie A, where the Rossoneri are desperate to climb the table and reestablish themselves as contenders. With a crucial home match against Cagliari on the horizon, Milan will be looking to build on their recent success and carry the momentum into the domestic league.

For Ibrahimovic, his role as an advisor is evolving. While his initial involvement may have been questioned, moments like the Supercoppa victory highlight the value of his experience and charisma. His ability to motivate players and foster a winning mentality could prove pivotal as Milan navigates the challenges ahead. The road to recovery in Serie A will not be easy, but with Ibrahimovic’s guidance and the team’s renewed sense of purpose, the Rossoneri have a chance to turn their season around and fight for a position worthy of their storied legacy.