Jump directly to the content
ZLAT ATTACK

Zlatan Ibrahimovic reveals good relationship with Jose Mourinho…but not Pep Guardiola

Swede has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United and famously fell out with the future Man City boss

Sponsored by

ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC has aimed another dig at Pep Guardiola by revealing the Spaniard is the only one of his former managers he does not have a good relationship with.

The Swede played under the future Manchester City boss at Barcelona in the 2009-10 season.

 Zlatan Ibrahimovic admits he still enjoys a good relationship with former boss, Jose Mourinho
5
Zlatan Ibrahimovic admits he still enjoys a good relationship with former boss, Jose MourinhoCredit: AP:Associated Press
 Zlatan Ibrahimovic won four consecutive league titles during his time at Paris Saint-Germain
5
Zlatan Ibrahimovic won four consecutive league titles during his time at Paris Saint-GermainCredit: Reuters

But the pair clashed on numerous occasions, with Ibrahimovic criticising Guardiola heavily in his autobiography.

And the 34-year-old has fuelled the flames again by showering all of his former bosses with praise.

But with one notable exception.

Speaking to the Guardian, he said: “I like [my former Paris Saint-Germain boss, Carlo] Ancelotti, [my former boss at Inter, Jose] Mourinho is cool.

“I have a good relationship with all of them — except one.”

 Zlatan Ibrahimovic was at Inter for three years, but only one under Jose Mourinho
5
Zlatan Ibrahimovic was at Inter for three years, but only one under Jose MourinhoCredit: Reuters
 Zlatan Ibrahimovic struggled during his season in Spain with Barcelona
5
Zlatan Ibrahimovic struggled during his season in Spain with BarcelonaCredit: Getty Images

When asked if the former manager in question was Guardiola, he replied: “Exactly.”

Ibrahimovic left Mourinho and Inter to clinch a ‘dream’ move to Barcelona in the summer of 2009 after three consecutive Serie A titles at the San Siro.

However, it soon turned into a nightmare as the Swede was often benched — struggling to fit into a system which was built around Lionel Messi.

The Swede revealed in this autobiography I am Zlatan that he confronted Guardiola in the changing rooms about his treatment and the then Barca boss left without answering.

 Pep Guardiola clashed with Zlatan Ibrahimovic during their season together at the Nou Camp
5
Pep Guardiola clashed with Zlatan Ibrahimovic during their season together at the Nou CampCredit: PA:Press Association

Ibrahimovic left the Nou Camp after just one season to return to Serie A with Milan.

Zlatan has won league titles in Holland, Italy, Spain and France.

He has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United to team up again with Mourinho following a successful four-year spell in Ligue 1 with Paris Saint-Germain.

And with Guardiola in charge across the city, the Manchester derby is looking likely to be a feisty affair next season.

Topics