Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been vocal is his praises for Jose Mourinho lately. In his recent interview with ESPN, the Manchester United striker spoke on how he thinks he should have played more under the new Manchester United boss. Ibrahimovic (34) was part of Mourinho’s squad at Inter Milan before moving to Barcelona in 2009. Later, he fell out with then Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola and was sold to AC Milan in 2010.
“I do not have many regrets, but I do regret that I did not get to play under Mourinho for longer. When the opportunity came again for him to be my coach at United it was an easy decision,” said Ibrahimovic, who signed on a free transfer this summer. “Who wouldn't want to be coached by him? I am at a great club with a great coach and great fans and I want to be as successful as possible for them.”
Trending
Also read: 10 memorable Manchester derby moments
The star striker and the star manager has reunited at Manchester United and have taken no time to work their magic. In addition to lifting the Community Shield, United have opened their Premier League season in style, winning all three of their opening games.
"Mourinho is a mastermind. He knows everything about the game," said Ibrahimovic, praising the Portuguese manager. In his autobiography, ‘I am Zlatan Ibrahimovic’ he famously stated that Jose Mourinho is Guardiola’s opposite — “if Mourinho brightens up the room, Guardiola pulls down the curtains.”
Mourinho has always been happy with Zlatan. In an interview in 2014, Mourinho had said, “A player who gave me as much as Ibra will always be in my heart. He did a lot for Inter and Inter did a lot for him. I like seeing Ibra. I greet him whenever I get the chance to and I wish him all the best - except when he plays against me. He is very special, he is one of the best strikers in the world.”
Also read: Dwight Yorke feels Manchester United have an edge over Manchester City
The former PSG striker has helped Manchester United secure a 100% positive result thus far, matching the outcome of derby opponent Manchester City. And that’s one game the Swede is looking forward to.
"These games always mean so much to the fans and we want to win for them, but the players must always be focused," quipped the mercurial striker. “Every game must be looked at as an opportunity to win three points whoever the opposition," Zlatan further added.
Manchester City will be missing star striker Sergio Aguero for a three-match ban suspension. When asked about the topic, Zlatan said, “Every game must be looked at as an opportunity to win three points whoever the opposition.”
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, spearheading Manchester United’s attack, will be playing against Manchester City in the derby, who are managed by former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola, who shares a bitter relationship with both Ibrahimovic as well as Mourinho..
