I need rest – Milan´s Ibrahimovic looking forward to international break

Zlatan Ibrahimovic will use the forthcoming international break to restore his usual “sharpness and determination” in front of goal following an action-packed contribution to Milan’s 2-2 with Hellas Verona on Sunday.

The 39-year-old salvaged a point for the Serie A leaders with a stoppage-time header after an own goal from Giangiacomo Magnani had halved the deficit following Antonin Barak and Mattia Zaccagni’s early goals for Verona. 

Prior to his equaliser, Ibrahimovic missed his third penalty of the season and was adjudged to have handled in the build-up to a Davide Calabria effort that was ruled out.

The former LA Galaxy forward managed just three shots on target from a huge total of 14 and, with a mooted Sweden return not coming to pass, will now use the next fortnight to his benefit.

“I am angry, obviously, because a draw today is not good enough,” Ibrahimovic told Sky Italia, as Milan moved two points clear of second-placed Sassuolo at the Serie A summit.

“We had so many chances. I missed a penalty and I think I’m leaving the next one to [Franck] Kessie! That would be better.

7 – Zlatan #Ibrahimovic is the the first player to score in seven consecutive Serie A appearances for AC Milan in the three points per win era (1994-95). Solver.#MilanHellas pic.twitter.com/ffi9m7sjSB

— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) November 8, 2020

“We go forward and the important thing is not to lose our confidence. Considering the way the table is now, we want to win every game.

“There are many games now and, when you get tired, you are not always at 100 per cent. Fortunately, the international break is here, because I need rest.

“I didn’t have the sharpness and usual determination I have in front of goal. I just felt like I wasn’t all there.”

Ibrahimovic’s late goal took his tally to eight in just five Serie A appearances this season, while he became the first Rossoneri player to score in seven consecutive top-flight appearances since the league’s change to three points for a win in 1994-95.

He rejected suggestions the league has become easier, though, insisting it is the toughest he has played in.

“I see more teams now that are fighting for higher up the table and it isn’t sides like Atalanta in the past,” he added. “I’ve played in many countries and I can confirm Italy is the toughest for strikers.

“There are many teams challenging for the top and there are some that haven’t reached their peak yet. It’s a packed schedule, so the side in the best shape will eventually win the Scudetto.”