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The Swede didn’t go out on the pitch in the second half, but his coach insists it was all part of the plan.
Milan manager Stefano Pioli insists it was a pre-planned decision to replace Zlatan Ibrahimovic at halftime in their 3-0 Europa League win over Sparta Prague.
After Brahim Diaz’s first goal, Ibrahimovic missed a chance to double Milan’s lead when his shot from the 36th point hit the crossbar, one of three shots missed during the opening period.
He was later replaced at halftime by Rafael Leao, who doubled Milan’s lead in the second period before Diogo Dalot sealed a comfortable victory.
Pioli, however, insists that the decision to eliminate Ibrahimovic at that point was made before the game and was not influenced by his performance.
“We had already planned the replacement,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “Zlatan is a champion and he probably wanted to continue, but we have another very difficult match on Sunday so it was right to balance our efforts.”
Pioli made five changes to the team that drew 3-3 with Roma in Serie A at the weekend and Milan achieved their ninth victory in 10 games, including a penalty shoot-out, in all competitions this season.
The Rossoneri return to national action on Sunday with a trip to Udinese and Pioli says he is finding it difficult to get so many fit players on his squad.
“The team knows what it has to do on the field and how to read the games,” he added.
“We came from a good performance against Roma where we could have done better in controlling the situation. Today we have taken advantage of the spaces that we were allowed.
“I must admit that it is becoming increasingly difficult to choose the starting eleven, as everyone is doing very well.
“The guys work in such a unified way and that’s the attitude that makes me want to pick them. We wanted deep strength, so it’s okay to make the most of it.”
Sandro Tonali was particularly impressive in midfield, completing more passes (72) than any other Milan player and gaining possession 10 times.
Pioli was delighted with his display and believes the 20-year-old is starting to find his feet at San Siro.
“Sandro Tonali took two steps forward in his performance tonight,” he said. “It was inevitable that it would take a little while to settle when he arrived after preseason, so I am very satisfied with the way he is growing in the team and finding form.
“It’s perfect for creating competition for places.”
