Pep Guardiola has fired back after Ibrahimovic made some comments insinuating that Manchester City striking superstar, Erling Haaland may not live up to his full potential due to the coaching powerhouse.
Ibrahimovic does not have a problem with speaking out and taking cheap shots at his colleagues or coaches and the next person on his list was Guardiola.
When asked if Guardiola could help Haaland develop his skills, Ibrahimovic replied:
“It depends on Guardiola’s ego if he lets him become bigger than him or not.”
If Pep had an ego, it is working out well for him because he has had successful spells with Manchester City, one of the favorites in the Premier League.
When Pep was asked about Ibrahimovic’s comments during a press conference, he replied:
“He is right, he is completely right. In this club, in this team, my ego is beyond every other person, every player.”
I don’t like it when Erling scores three goals and all the highlights are for him. I’m so jealous! Honestly, I’m so jealous!”
“I said ‘Erling, please no more goals, otherwise the newspapers won’t talk about me, and just about me. He’s right, he [Ibrahimovic] knows me perfectly. Maybe he can write another book.”
Those were definitely sarcastic comments and they were strange, coming from the bonafide and celebrated coach.
Ibrahimovic has been a vocal critic of Guardiola over the years, ever since the pair worked together at Barcelona and split acrimoniously.
Guardiola has done well to manage Manchester City football club and develop super players like Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden, and now, Erling Haaland.
Manchester City faces Fulham on Saturday to continue their fight for the Premier League title before the World Cup.