SUMMARY
- AC Milan's owner surprised the sports world by considering Novak Djokovic for mental coaching role.
- Aligning with Cardinale's strategy, Djokovic emphasizes the pre-game mental work, crucial for success in both tennis and soccer.
As Novak Djokovic continues to dominate the tennis world, an unexpected proposition has emerged from the soccer arena. AC Milan’s owner, Gerry Cardinale, reportedly contemplated a groundbreaking move by considering Djokovic for a mental coaching role within the Serie A club. The proposal, as reported by La Repubblica, aimed at infusing a winning mentality into the players under Cardinale’s ownership.
Gerry Cardinale’s vision for AC Milan involved leveraging Novak Djokovic’s mental strength which has been a key component of the tennis star’s unparalleled success, to elevate the performance of the soccer team. The idea was to have Djokovic offer motivational talks and insights into mental toughness, aiding the players in developing a championship mindset.
AC Milan owner, Gerry Cardinale, considered hiring Novak Djokovic as the team’s mental coach a few months ago.
Cardinale wanted to put Djokovic under contract to help players who were struggling at the time.
Novak’s mental strength is world-class.
Definitely understand why… pic.twitter.com/7g2ckY3ZvR
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) February 4, 2024
Djokovic‘s approach to mental wellness aligns with Cardinale’s vision for AC Milan. In a sport like tennis, where players face solitary challenges on court, Djokovic emphasizes the significance of mental strength. His belief that half of the mental work needs to be done before stepping onto the court resonates with Cardinale’s strategy for AC Milan.
While the talks never reached fruition, the mere contemplation underscores the growing significance of mental resilience in modern sports.
Novak Djokovic’s Love for AC Milan
Novak Djokovic’s connection with AC Milan goes way back. A self-confessed Rossoneri fanatic, Djokovic has consistently expressed his deep-rooted love for the club, attributing it to his father’s career as a professional footballer. In a poignant revelation, Djokovic once stated, “I’m a big fan of Milan and I’ll always be. For me, football is second only to tennis.”
His genuine passion for AC Milan extends to personal relationships, including a close bond with ex-Milan superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Djokovic’s camaraderie with Ibrahimovic and his enthusiastic celebration of Milan’s triumphs showcase a connection. The potential collaboration as a mental coach could have seen Djokovic contributing not just as a fan but as a contributor to their success.
🎥 Novak Djokovic: “I’m a Milan fan and have a red and black heart. Zlatan is an amazing champion and still at his age, despite injuries and surgery keeps going and sets a very high standard” pic.twitter.com/KcDG0GcGN3
— Milan Posts (@MilanPosts) July 24, 2021
While the talks between AC Milan’s owner and Djokovic did not materialize, the contemplation of such a collaboration highlights the evolving dynamics of sports. As Djokovic continues to dominate the tennis world, the possibility of his influence extending beyond the court shows how the sporting world is evolving.