Zlatan: Pep Guardiola is the most immature coach I’ve worked with
Ibrahimovic reveals his frustration at his former boss at Barcelona
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has hit out at Pep Guardiola and called him the “most immature” coach he has ever worked with.
United striker Ibrahimovic, 36, who played under Guardiola at Barcelona in 2009-10, told Sky Sports in Italy that he became frustrated over the manager’s tactics and for “sacrificing players” in favour of Lionel Messi.
Ibrahimovic scored 16 goals in 23 games at the Spanish club, but found himself on the bench after confronting Guardiola.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
“The first six months were perfect, then the manager changed system, tactics and it didn’t work for me,” he said. “I went to talk to him. I’m here to talk, if you think it’s for another reason then we can’t talk.
“I said, ‘I believe that you are sacrificing some players for one player, Messi.’ He said, ‘I don’t think this is the case but I understand what you say. I will take care of it, no problem, I will solve everything.’ I thought it would be OK.”
Ibrahimovic added: “The following game I was on the bench. I don’t say anything, I work. Second match, bench again. I thought he solved it well and he was not talking to me or explaining. Third match, bench. Then the fourth match comes and bench again.
“I think something is strange. From that moment he stopped talking to me, looking at me. I go into a room and he walks out of it. He was not a bad person, but the most immature I’ve had because a man solves his problems.”
Guardiola is now the boss at Manchester City and his side are 11 points clear of Ibrahimovic’s United after beating them 2-1 at Old Trafford on Sunday.
There was a reported brawl between players and staff from both sides when City players were said to be celebrating over-enthusiastically in their dressing room.
Guardiola has apologised for causing any offence, but defended his team for rejoicing in the vital victory.
“If we offended United – not just one player, not Jose [Mourinho, United’s boss], Manchester United – then I apologise,” he told the BBC.
“We have to enjoy those moments. If the people cannot understand that then I’m sorry. We won a derby.
“If we were not correct then I apologise to all of Manchester United. Our intention was not that. It was to celebrate inside the locker room.”
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Today's political cartoons - November 2, 2024
Cartoons Saturday's cartoons - anti-fascism, early voter turnout, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Geoff Capes obituary: shot-putter who became the World’s Strongest Man
In the Spotlight The 'mighty figure' was a two-time Commonwealth Champion and world-record holder
By The Week UK Published
-
Israel attacks Iran: a 'limited' retaliation
Talking Point Iran's humiliated leaders must decide how to respond to Netanyahu's measured strike
By The Week UK Published
-
The wit and wisdom of Sven-Göran Eriksson
In Depth The first foreign coach to manage England on football, life and death
By The Week Staff Published
-
The Premier League's spending cap: levelling the playing field?
Talking Point Top clubs oppose plans to link spending to income of lowest-earning club, but rule could prevent success gap from widening
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Is a new English football regulator an own goal for the game?
Talking Point PM hails 'historic moment for football fans' but West Ham owner warns it could 'ruin' Premier League
By The Week UK Published
-
Manchester United and Mason Greenwood: duty of care or double standards?
Talking Point The 21-year-old footballer’s possible return has provoked an outpouring of dismay from supporters
By Jamie Timson Published
-
2023-2024 Premier League predictions: champions, relegation and golden boot
feature A look at the top flight talking points and pundit picks for the new season
By Mike Starling Published
-
‘Genuine visionary’: is Pep Guardiola the greatest of all time?
feature Spaniard has now won two trebles following Man City’s Champions League triumph
By The Week Staff Published
-
Champions League final: Man City vs. Inter predictions and preview
feature Can Guardiola’s team finally win the Champions League and complete a historic treble?
By Mike Starling Last updated
-
Man City: can ‘one of the best sides in history’ win the treble?
feature Guardiola’s Premier League champions have two more trophies in their sights
By The Week Staff Published