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.
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“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.”
