Pioli: Ibrahimovic is a great champion, but AC Milan not focused on January

AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli has repeated his praise of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but insists the Serie A club are not yet focusing on new signings.

Ibrahimovic has been linked with a return to Milan, where he spent two seasons between 2010 and 2012 before moving to Paris Saint-Germain, after the 38-year-old left MLS club LA Galaxy.

Pioli has previously lauded Ibrahimovic, however, he insisted it was too early to talk about the upcoming transfer window in January.

Milan’s coach was pressed for his thoughts on Ibrahimovic – who is now reported to be a target for new Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho – ahead of Saturday’s clash with Napoli, but Pioli reiterated the Rossoneri are not yet focused on January arrivals.

“I have already explained what I think, he is a great champion for his technical skills and his professionalism,” Pioli told a news conference.

“I end it here, our present is too important.

“With the team I have to think only of the field and tomorrow’s match. For judgments on the market, I will do it later, we are only in November.

“We are focused on the difficult and very important match of tomorrow. We have to give 200 per cent and that’s what I expect from the team.”

I came, I saw, I conquered. Thank you @lagalaxy for making me feel alive again. To the Galaxy fans – you wanted Zlatan, I gave you Zlatan. You are welcome. The story continues…Now go back to watch baseball pic.twitter.com/kkL6B6dJBr

— Zlatan Ibrahimović (@Ibra_official) November 13, 2019

Milan sit 14th in Serie A, having taken just 13 points from their opening 12 matches of the season.

However, Pioli believes Milan’s display in a 1-0 defeat to Juventus before the international break gives his side a platform from which to build on.

“It starts from the performance in Turin, which was against one of the best in Europe,” Pioli added.

“We now play against a strong team like Napoli which is equipped for the Champions League and to win the Scudetto. Napoli are strong but we are not far behind.”