Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola has, on Friday, responded to recent suggestions on the part of Zlatan Ibrahimovic that his influence could prove detrimental to the development of Erling Haaland.
For those not aware, Ibrahimovic grabbed the headlines as only he can earlier this week.
This came upon the sidelined AC Milan star being drawn on the stellar early goalscoring form being enjoyed by Haaland in Manchester.
It was upon questions coming to the fore regarding Guardiola’s influence, though, that ‘Ibra’ opted to take full advantage of the opportunity.
It is of course widespread knowledge that the relationship between City’s boss and Ibrahimovic is frosty at best, after the pair failed to see eye to eye during a shared stint in Spain with Barcelona.
The latter, in turn, directed a less-than-subtle jibe at Guardiola, in suggesting that the tactician’s ego could have a detrimental effect on Haaland’s growth:
In turn, it came as little surprise, during his own media exchange this evening, when Man City’s beloved boss was drawn on the recent dig aimed at his character.
Guardiola, however, appeared altogether unfussed, opting for a sarcastic tone in explaining that:
“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 highlight is for him. I am so jealous! Honestly, so jealous!
“I said ‘Erling, please no more goals, otherwise the newspapers won’t talk about me, and just about me’. He is right, he knows me perfectly. He can write another book.”
Guardiola not so much dripping with sarcasm as drenched in it when asked about Zlatan’s comments https://t.co/hMiI9ceH3x
— Simon Bajkowski (@spbajko) November 4, 2022
Chelsea team news & predicted line-up vs Arsenal
Manchester United team news & predicted line-up vs Aston Villa
