ZLATAN'S HALF WAS ENOUGH

2015.03.31 | Sweden-Iran 3-1

SCORED HIS 54TH SWEDEN-GOAL

One half was enough for Zlatan tonight.

He scored, assisted and dominated the 45 minutes he played and that was enough for Sweden, who beat Iran 3-1 in a physical friendly.

 

FULL GAME REPORT.

"THERE IS ALWAYS SOMEONE..."

2015.03.31 | Zlatan Unplugged

ZLATAN'S THOUGHTS BEFORE SWEDEN-IRAN

Tonight 19.30 Sweden play Iran in a friendly game at home and despite a busy schedule coming up with PSG, Zlatan will start tonight's game (confirmed). Read his thoughts before the game.

 

Tomorrow the Swedish national team meets Iran for the first time, an opponent that is ranked 42nd in the world right now. What are your thoughts about the match and the opposing team?

ZLATAN: "It's going to be a good game at home."

Against Moldova you scored both of Sweden's goals and were praised for once again carrying your team to victory. Some critics say that you are too important to the Swedish team and that too much depends on whether you are having a good day or not. Do you understand the criticism and do you agree?

ZLATAN: "There is always someone who has an opinion. It was a team effort and without the team there is no way for me to succeed."

At the press conference before Moldova you talked about the young players having great chances now to fight for a spot on the starting lineup, if they only seize the opportunity. How have the new players coped so far and is there someone who stands out from the rest?

ZLATAN: "Yes, I think they have performed well."

The Swedish national team is, or has been, in a slump and has missed championships and places on the world ranking. Do you see brighter days ahead?

ZLATAN: "Only time will tell."

Source: Zlatan Unplugged.

"MINE OF COURSE!"

2015.03.31 | Zlatan Unplugged

ZLATAN'S THOUGHTS AFTER SWEDEN-IRAN

Sweden beat Iran 3-1 in tonight's friendly game and Zlatan scored once and assisted to Berg's 2-0-goal. He was the taken off the pitch, read his thoughts after the game.

 

In tonight's win against Iran you played 45 minutes, scored Sweden's first goal and assisted the second. Are you happy with the half you played?

ZLATAN: "It felt good."

In the match against Moldova you were teamed with Isaac Kiese Thelin on top, and today Marcus Berg was at your side. Which collaboration do you think worked best and why?

ZLATAN: "It worked well with both of them. Too bad Isaac didn't get to score, but it won't be long."

It was the first time ever that the Swedish national team meets Iran. What do you think of your opponent and the amazing support they received on Friends Arena?

ZLATAN: "They truly got fantastic support and they have a good team who performed well today."

We got to see three beautiful Swedish goals tonight. One by you, one by Marcus Berg, and one by Ola Toivonen. Which was the prettiest?

ZLATAN: "Mine of course!"

Source: Zlatan Unplugged.

MOLDOVA 0 - ZLATAN 2

2015.03.27 | Moldova-Sweden 0-2

SWEDEN WON COMFORTABLY - ZLATAN TWO GOALS

In one of those important, tough qualification-games, Sweden needed their best to step forward. He did. Zlatan scored the only two goals in a game Sweden dominated but lacked effeciency.

 

FULL GAME REPORT.

"IMPORTANT MATCH"

2015.03.27 | Zlatan Unplugged

ZLATAN'S THOUGHTS BEFORE MOLDOVA-SWEDEN

Friday 20.45 Sweden play Moldova away in EURO 2016 Qualification Group G.

The standings in the group after round 4 (out of 10):

1. Austria, 10 p.

2. Sweden, 6 p.

3. Russia, Montenegro, 5 p.

 

Read the Zlatan Unplugged-interview with Zlatan before the game.

 

On Friday the Swedish national team is facing Moldova as the qualifiers for Euro 2016 in France continues. What are your thoughts about the match?

ZLATAN: "It's an important away match against a good opponent."

No less than nine of the twenty-three players on the Swedish squad plays, or have played for Malmö FF. Why is it that the team from your hometown manages to foster so many national team players?

ZLATAN: "Because they have a good system for developing young players."

There are rumors of a Swedish striker duo with two previous MFF players who both play in Ligue 1 today; yourself and Isaac Kiese Thelin. How do you think the two of you would work on top?

ZLATAN: "Very well!"

You are the second oldest player and by far the most experienced on the international arena. How do you pass on that knowledge to the younger players on the squad?

ZLATAN: "I try to help them as much as I can with tips and good advice."

Source: Zlatan Unplugged.

"FULL CONTROL!"

2015.03.27 | Zlatan Unplugged

ZLATAN'S THOUGHTS AFTER MOLDOVA-SWEDEN

Sweden beat Moldova 2-0 after two goals from Zlatan. Sweden clearly dominated the game but didn't score as easily as they hoped so Moldova were closer to a potential draw than they had to have been. Read what Zlatan had to say after the game.

 

You managed to win the important away match against Moldova 2-0. You made both goals – your 52nd and 53rd in the Swedish jersey. Are you happy with the result and your performance?

ZLATAN: "Yes, it was a solid performance by the whole team."

From a spectator's point of view you dominated the game and most of the ninety minutes. Was the feeling the same on the pitch – that you were in control from start to finish?

ZLATAN: "Yes, my feeling was the same."

How do you think the collaboration with your new striker partner Isaac Kiese Thelin worked?

ZLATAN: "I think our collaboration worked well."

You scored the first goal in the beginning of the second half by heading a misdirected pass from the Moldovan keeper. How deliberate are your actions in that situation?

ZLATAN: "Full control!"

Which positives do you bring home after tonight's match – and what do you think you need to keep working on before the continued Euro qualifiers?

ZLATAN: "We'll just keep doing what we're doing."

Source: Zlatan Unplugged.

"IT DOESN'T ITCH ANYWHERE"

2015.03.25 | Zlatan Press Conference

ZLATAN ABOUT...

• THE SITUATION IN FRANCE

• HIS FUTURE IN PSG AND THE NATIONAL TEAM

• THE GAME VS MOLDOVA AND KIESE THELIN

• YOUNG SWEDISH PLAYERS' DEVELOPMENT

• THE DRAW AGAINST BARCELONA

On Friday Sweden play Moldova in the important EURO 2016 Qualification Group G-game. Sweden has been practicing in Sweden and today Zlatan met the Swedish press for a press conference. He talked about his feelings after the attention in France after the Bordeaux-game, his thoughts on the Sweden talents out in Europe as well as his own future in the national team. And he expressed how much he is lokking forward to the Champions League-quarterfinal against Barcelona.

 

Q 0.01 (TV4): Zlatan, how do you feel after the turbulence in France which you thought were blown out of proportion?

ZLATAN: "Good, very good. I feel good, it's great to be back in the national team and to play the Qualification-game and one friendly game so it feels good. It's something I'm used to, so nothing is unusual after what has happened."

Q 0.27 (TV4): You've previously expressed that the system for suspensions etc in France is a bit strange, what's your take on it?

ZLATAN: "It keeps surprising me, but there's nothing to do but to go with the flow. I can only play my game and do exactly like I did last time (vs Lorient), let my feet speak. The rest can speak for itself."

Q 0.57 (TV4): Did you know you were being filmed when you burst out after the game against Bordeaux?

ZLATAN: "I was totally under control and it doesn't matter if I was being filmed or not. The question is why I was angry. Nobody has discussed that."

TV4: It has been discussed that the referee made a mistake, but so do also players?

ZLATAN: "OK, but we are punished, he is not."

TV4: You think he should be punished?

ZLATAN: "I don't know. What do you think."

TV4: Yeah, I assume that's reasonable. It's good the way it's done in Sweden where referees sometimes announce that they have made a mistake?

ZLATAN: "OK, then they should start doing that. Not just the players."

Q 1.29 (TV4): Does all this affect your will to stay in Paris Saint-Germain?

ZLATAN: "I like it a lot in France. All that's been written and all the bulls***.. I wouldn't have come to France and more importantly I wouldn't have signed a new contract and played there for so long if I hadn't liked it. All the rest that's being said.. They want to pull me down from the top but they won't be successful. Not you either. I like it a lot on the top and that's were I'm gonna stay."

Q 2.02 (Expressen): If you think about the international call-up in November, when you had come back from your injury and was pretty rusty. Compare the form you are in today and then, what do you say?

ZLATAN: "It feels good, I feel good. I need to play games. I lost several games because of my injury and then I got two games suspension so I need to play games all the time and physically it has felt good. As soon as I've gotten back for real, something has happened but when I've finally been on the pitch it has felt great. I've scored 23 goals so far in the games I've played and now it's two months left. It has felt great, I hope I can continue."

Q 2.49 (Expressen): Many think you will play next to Isaac Kiese Thelin in attack on Friday. You've played against him in France, but what are people saying in the PSG-dressing room, has he gained a reputation already after such short time and what are your thoughts on him?

ZLATAN: "We played them (Bordeaux) a week ago and I think he played well. He showed great strength in the duels and he has only been in France a short period of time. In France, a lot of the talk is about PSG but he has done well and now he just has to grow into it and get to know the league and his own team. It usually takes time but everything has been positive so far."

Q 3.38 (Expressen): You (Z + Kiese Thelin) will perhaps start together against Moldova, what do you think you can accomplish and how are you working together in practice?

ZLATAN: "I see it in a good light. He makes an impression, he goes into the physical duels. If I can escape those duels, I save energy to what I'm better at so if he can come in and take that energy and I don't have to, it will all work out. But we'll have to wait and see how Moldova plays. According to the rumours, they will play with 5 defenders, 3 centerbacks so it won't be easy."

Q 4.21 (Expressen): Pia Sundhage (Sweden's Women National Team Manager) in today's newspaper says that you have a standing invitation to the Sweden Women's National Team to come and inspire and talk before their World Cup in Canada, what's your take on that?

ZLATAN: "Yeah, as soon as I get the time, absolutely. Thank you."

Q 4.40 (Aftonbladet): Zlatan, we've seen many young players enter the national team and then disappear from it. Is there anyone in today's squad that will stay there for long? I think about someone like Kiese Thelin, is there anything that indicates that he will remain perhaps longer than many of the others have in the past?

ZLATAN: "Like the situation is now, there is a great chance for everybody to break into the national team. Even for the ones that are not here. Everything comes down to when you get the chance, you have to take it. That's what it's very much about. As open as it is now, I don't think it has been for the 10-12 (14) years I've played in the national team. Then there's been a squad and single players have come and gone but as open as it is now, it's never been before. It's a big opportunity for everyone out there who wants to be apart and achieve something in the national team. Everything comes down to grasping the opportunity when it's presented to you and not only be thankful and happy that you were selected. That's the easy part, being selected. The hard part is to stay."

Aftonbladet: Are there many, you think, that have been too thankful just to have come here and then not taken the chance?

ZLATAN: "I don't know if it's been that they have been too thankful or that they are not good enough or that they haven't played enough in their club teams to develop. There's a big difference between club team and national team. You play on a high level in the club team but the national team is the absolute top and you can't come any higher than that. There you play with world class players against other nations at the top and the game is quick with better quality on all levels. Either it's the lack of playing games and not having developed to the player they can be or they are just not good enough. It's one of those two but I don't know the answer."

Q 6.45 (TV4): There are many (Swedish) young players that are having a hard time making a serious impact in their club teams, what do you think they are missing or rather what's expected from them in the club team?

ZLATAN: "I don't know the situation for everybody."

TV4: But generally?

ZLATAN: "It's a good question. Like the two answers I gave before. Either not good enough or lack of playing time but why they are not getting enough playing time.. Either you are not good enough or something else has happened."

Q 7.33 ( TV4): As we all know, you were drawn against Barcelona (In CL) again, what's your thoughts on the game and what did you think when you saw the draw?

ZLATAN: "Good game. We've been drawn them many times now, even when I was in Milan we got Barcelona and it will be two fantastic games. Too bad I will miss one of them. It's like when we were gonna play Chelsea. Everybody complained "tough opponent", "it will be tough", "we will not be able to handle it" but we got two brilliant games, we made it and that's what Champions League is all about, to play these big games. And when you then go through, the feeling is obviously better, you can't describe it. We are gonna prepare in the best possible way, we knocked out Chelsea, we've shown that we belong at the top and it will be two new games. It won't be easy but it will be great to play."

Q 8.27 (TV4): Is this your last Qualification with the national team, you think?

ZLATAN: "We'll see. I have a contract until 2016. What happens after that, I don't know. I haven't thought that far but it's possible. Very possible."

Q 8.52 (TV4): No matter if it's the last one or not, what would it mean to you to play a championship with Sweden again?

ZLATAN: "Everything, of course. If I can experience another championship with my country, it can't get any better and I know from the other tournaments we've played how it's to be there.. The games that are played, the players who are there. You just walk around and enjoy it.. The audience, you see the support you get.. Yeah, it's an experience hard to describe. I only hope the young players who come in to the national team get to experience what I've experienced and even more. It would mean everything to me and I hope we will make it so I get to play the championship (EURO 2016) in France."

Q 9.47 (Expressen): The eternal question about how long you will play.. Your agent (Mino Raiola), in a light-spirited mood, said you will play until you are 42-43 but have you set a far limit for how long you can play?

ZLATAN: "No, I haven't. I've always said I will play as long as I'm on top and when it comes to the football not live on my name. I play as long as I feel I can perform. The day I can't perform, there's no need to play anymore. I don't think it's fair to the younger players and what you (the journalists) have to worry about is who to write about when I retire."

Q 10.35 (Aftonbladet): Zlatan, for the last 10-15 years, you've had the highest status in all rooms you've entered. Does it still ever happen that you are being yelled at, that you are being criticised and someone says "goddammit Zlatan, step up"?

ZLATAN: "Every day, that's what it's all about. You give and you take. You are supposed to be able to give criticism to everybody but self-criticism is also something I have. If I don't do it well enough, I'm triggered and more than anything when it's from people that are close to me. It means that it means something. Then all this that is happening in France, this Olof (journalist) describes as "turbulence", the panic.. to me that's normal. To me that's no problem, believe me. If it was turbulence for me and then I go in and score three goals, that means that it doesn't itch anywhere. But when people are close to me and says something, positive or negative, that I take seriously. That's what matters. They understand me, they know me and they read the situation in a completely different way. All the other people.. Believe me, like I said, it doesn't itch anywhere. Even if it's ministers or journalists. "What goes around, comes around" (english), it's as simple as that."

Q 12.00 (DN): Zlatan, El Clásico on Sunday was a fantastic game but it also contained a lot of divings (fake-falls etc), what do you think you can do to get to that problem?

ZLATAN: "What can you do? Hmm.. I myself had a situation against Chelsea. I got a red card. How am I supposed to react to that? I don't know if I'm supposed to be pissed off or to be calm about it. Two different situations.. Three days after I get pissed off with the referee for a mistake he makes. If you look at both situations, I should be more angry about the wrong red card than the mistake the referee made (the Bordeaux-goalkeeper took up a pass from a defender with his hands but the referee didn't blow the whistle). Or to me it's not just a mistake, it was not acceptable and it's still not acceptable. How are you supposed to deal with that? I should really be pissed off about the red card and not the other situation where he should do and know his job and do it the right way. It's two completely different situations. One dives there (Oscar, Chelsea), I don't get pissed off. One makes a mistake here (referee, Bordeaux-PSG) and I get pissed off. It's not in my world, it doesn't belong in my world and never will. I play to win and will do anything to win. But diving.. There's no way. No way. But it's out there and I don't know it it's become a part of the game. I don't hope so but it will keep happening."

Source: Swedish FA/Fotbollskanalen.

 

Note: The video can only be shown in Sweden. For international visitors we recommend installing the software Zen Mate in Google Chrome.

"THEY AWAKEN THE LION"

2015.03.21 | Zlatan Unplugged

ZLATAN'S THOUGHTS AFTER PSG-LORIENT

Zlatan scored a hattrick when PSG beat Lorient 3-1. Ibra was in a great mood all game and created alot of chances. After scoring the last goal he made a cool celebration, saying something like "you talk, I score". Read what he had to say after the game.

 

The match against Lorient ends in a 3-1 win for PSG. What are your thoughts about tonight's performance?

ZLATAN: "Three important points."

You score all three PSG goals – two on penalty kicks and one in the final minutes when you were free with Lorient's keeper and could cooly place the ball. Are you getting close to top form?

ZLATAN: "It has felt good all along."

In the situation that led to your first penalty kick you got tackled hard by Lorient's keeper and many worried PSG fans and Swedish fans held their breath. Did the rough treatment affect you during the rest of the match?

ZLATAN: "Yes, it did and I still feel it."

We got to see a Zlatan who seemed to be in a good playing mood. Besides the goals you made heel kicks and showed technical skills. Has all the commotion during the last week given you extra motivation, or what was it that got you is such a good mood today?

ZLATAN: "They awaken the lion."

Source: Zlatan Unplugged.

PSG VS BARCELONA

2015.03.21 | uefa.com

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE-QUARTERFINALS DRAWN

The UEFA Champions League Quarterfinal Draw is done.

PSG was drawn Barcelona. PSG starts at home.

 

The first game will be played at Parc des Princes on 15 April 2015. Zlatan suspended.

The second game will be played at Camp Nou on 21 April 2015. Zlatan available.

 

Another interesting quarterfinal is last season's final between Atlético de Madrid and Real Madrid.

 

PSG beat Barcelona 3-2 at home in the group stage but lost 3-1 at Camp Nou.

Zlatan has played Barcelona 6 times since he left them in 2010.

This is the third time in the last four seasons Zlatan's team is drawn Barcelona in the quarterfinal.

Milan-Barcelona 2-3, Group stage 2011/12

Milan-Barcelona 0-0, Quarterfinal 1/2 2011/12

Barcelona-Milan 3-1 (3-1 aggr.), Quarterfinal 2/2 2011/12

PSG-Barelona 2-2, Quarterfinal 2/2 2012/13

Barcelona-PSG 1-1 (3-3 aggr. Barca through), Quarterfinal 2/2 2012/13

Barcelona-PSG 3-1, Group stage 2014/15

 

The UEFA Champions League Quarterfinals 2014/15:

Paris Saint-Germain - Barcelona

Game 1/2: 15 April 2015. Game 2/2: 21 April 2015.

 

Atlético de Madrid - Real Madrid

Game 1/2: 14 April 2015. Game 2/2: 22 April 2015.

 

Porto - Bayern Münich

Game 1/2: 15 April 2015. Game 2/2: 21 April 2015.

 

Juventus - Monaco

Game 1/2: 14 April 2015. Game 2/2: 22 April 2015.

 

Source: uefa.com.

ZLATAN SELECTED IN SWEDEN SQUAD

2015.03.20 | Swedish FA

EURO QUALIFICATION COMING UP

Sweden manager Erik Hamrén today announced the Sweden-squad for the EURO 2016 Qualification-game against Moldova on 27 March. Zlatan is selected. Sweden-squad:

 

Goalkeepers.

Andreas Isaksson, Kasimpasa

Kristoffer Nordfeldt, Heerenveen

Robin Olsen, Malmö FF.

 

Defenders.

Mikael Antonsson, FC Copenhagen

Pierre Bengtsson, FC Copenhagen

Andreas Granqvist, Krasnodar

Pontus Jansson, Torino

Erik Johansson, Malmö FF

Martin Olsson, Norwich

Anton Tinnerholm, Malmö FF.

 

Midfielders/Attackers.

Marcus Berg, Panathinaikos

Albin Ekdal, Cagliari

Johan Elmander, Bröndby

Alexander Farnerud, Torino

Emil Forsberg, Leipzig

Zlatan Ibrahimović, Paris Saint-Germain

Kim Källström, Spartak Moscow

Sebastian Larsson, Sunderland

Robin Quaison, Palermo

Isaac Kiese Thelin, Bordeaux

Ola Toivonen, Rennes

Pontus Wernbloom, CSKA Moscow

Erkan Zengin, Trabzonspor

 

The game is played at the Zimbru Stadium in Chișinău, Moldova on Friday 27 March 20.45.

 

Source: Swedish FA.

ZLATAN HATTRICK-HERO

2015.03.20 | PSG-Lorient 3-1

LET HIS FEET SPEAK AND WON THREE IMPORTANT POINTS

Ibracadabra!

After a storming week, Zlatan scored a hattrick and sent a message to all the haters out there. PSG beat Lorient 3-1 and put pressure on Lyon and Marseille.

 

FULL GAME REPORT.

PSG SQUAD FOR LORIENT

2015.03.20 | psg.fr

19 PLAYERS AVAILABLE FOR FRIDAY'S GAME

Friday 20.30 PSG take on Lorient at Parc des Princes, very important to cash in three points.

Ligue 1 After 29 Rounds (Monaco has only played 28):

1. Lyon, 58 p.

2. PSG, 56 p.

3. Marseille, 54 p.

4. Monaco, 50 p.

 

PSG Squad for PSG-Lorient Friday 20 March 20.30:

AUGUSTIN Jean-Kévin
BAHEBECK Jean-Christophe
CAMARA Zoumana
CAVANI Edinson
DIGNE Lucas
DOUCHEZ Nicolas
IBRAHIMOVIC Zlatan
KIMPEMBE Presnel
LACAZETTE Romuald
LAVEZZI Ezequiel
MATUIDI Blaise
MAXWELL
PASTORE Javier
RABIOT Adrien
SIRIGU Salvatore
THIAGO MOTTA
THIAGO SILVA
VAN DER WIEL Gregory
VERRATTI Marco

 

Absents: 
AURIER, CABAYE, LUIZ, DIAW, LUCAS, MAIGNAN, MARQUINHOS

 

Source: psg.fr.

"IT HASN'T AFFECTED ME"

2015.03.20 | Zlatan Unplugged

ZLATAN'S THOUGHTS BEFORE PSG-LORIENT

On Thursday UEFA announced that Zlatan will be suspended one game in Champions League, he will miss the first Quarterfinal. At the same time, PSG happliy announced that Maxwell has signed a new contract until 2016 and on Friday, PSG plays Lorient in a game they just have to win, no excuses. Read Zlatan's thoughts about it all.

 

Tomorrow night, Ligue 1 continues as you face 15th placed FC Lorient. Are you out for revenge after the loss against Bordeaux?

ZLATAN: "Yes, tomorrow is crucial for the over-all standing."

After the match against Bordeaux, there has been much discussion around your statements. How has the commotion affected you?

ZLATAN: "It hasn't affected me really."

Today, PSG announced that they have renewed Maxwell's contract for another year and that he will remain in the French capital until June 2016. What would you say are Maxwell's strengths, and how is the standard of his performance today?

ZLATAN: "Everybody knows what Maxwell is made of and what his qualities are. He has more trophies than me and I won't be catching up now, will I? Hehe..."

Today, UEFA's disciplinary committee decided that the red card you received against Chelsea does not result in any additional suspension time. This means that you will miss one match and are back in time for the second match of the two quarterfinals. Are you content with the decision?

ZLATAN: "Good question…"

Source: Zlatan Unplugged.

ZLATAN SUSPENDED ONE CL-GAME

2015.03.19 | uefa.com

WILL MISS THE FIRST QUARTERFINAL

Today the UEFA Disciplinary Committe held a meeting and discussed Zlatan's red card against Chelsea. They decided to give him the lowest penalty, one game suspension.

 

That means he will miss the first Champions League Quarterfinal leg.

 

The Quarterfinal draw is held Friday 20 March at 12.00 CET.

 

Source: uefa.com.

ZLATAN SPEAKS ABOUT YESTERDAY

2015.03.16 | psg.fr

"FRENCH PEOPLE ARE INTELLIGENT ENOUGH"

Yesterday after the game against Bordeaux, Zlatan was angry and made some comments about the referees in France which didn't come out the way he intended. He later apologized both on PSG's website and on his own Facebook. Today he sat down on Parc des Princes and spoke to PSG.fr.

 

Source: psg.fr.

ZLATAN'S TWO GOALS NOT ENOUGH

2015.03.15 | Bordeaux-PSG 3-2

CL-HUNGOVER PSG LOST AGAINST BORDEAUX

Zlatan-goals usually means PSG wins.

Today he scored twice but PSG still lost.

Bordeaux were the better team in a game where the Parisiens clearly suffered from the game against Chelsea.

 

FULL GAME REPORT.

"DOESN'T MATTER WHEN WE DON'T WIN"

2015.03.15 | Zlatan Unplugged

"WE SHOULD HAVE WON ANYWAY"

Despite two goals from Zlatan, PSG lost to Bordeaux 3-2. The Parisiens were clearly suffering from the Chelsea-game and Zlatan was furious after. Read the interview with him after the game.

 

The strong home team Bordeaux took the lead three times in tonight's match and won 3-2 in the end. What was missing in PSG's performance tonight?

ZLATAN: "That could depend on many things, but right now I don't know."

You scored both PSG goals, a ready touch passed the keeper in the 50th minute and a confident penalty kick in the 85th. What do you think of your own performance?

ZLATAN: "That doesn't matter when we don't win."

As late as Wednesday, you played a tough 120-minute match against Chelsea in the Champions League. How much did this affect your physical status in the match today?

ZLATAN: "It's possible that it affected today's match, or maybe not. It doesn't matter. We should have won anyway."

Yohan Cabaye and David Luiz had to leave the pitch with injuries. Have you heard anything about the severity of the injuries?

ZLATAN: "No, I haven't heard anything yet."

Later tonight, your two top contenders for the title, Marseille and Lyon, face each other in the final match of the round. Which team do you think will win that bout?

ZLATAN: "None of them."

Source and photos: Zlatan Unplugged.

"I WOULD LIKE TO APOLOGIZE"

2015.03.15 | psg.fr

"I WAS PURELY SPEAKING IN TERMS OF FOOTBALL"

After the game against Bordeaux, Zlatan was clearly angry and made some comments about the referee and French football. Watch the video here.

 

He has now come forward and apologizes on PSG's official website.

And on his own Facebook.

 

"Regarding my comments after tonights game; they were not against France or the French people. I spoke about football. I lost the game, I accept that, but I can't accept when the referee doesn't follow the rules. It s not the first time, and I'm sick of it.My sincere apologies if anyone was offended, or took it the wrong way.."

 

Source: psg.fr.

PSG SQUAD FOR BORDEAUX

2015.03.14 | psg.fr

18 PLAYERS AVAILABLE FOR SUNDAY'S GAME

Tomorrow PSG go to Bordeaux for another Ligue 1-game. We are slowly getting towards the end of the season and now every game is important. The Ligue 1-table after 28 rounds (10 left):

1. Lyon, 57 p.

2. PSG, 56 p.

3. Marseille, 53 p.

4. Monaco, 50 p.

 

PSG Squad for Bordeaux-PSG Sunday 15 March 17.00:

BAHEBECK Jean-Christophe
CABAYE Yohan
CAMARA Zoumana
CAVANI Edinson
DAVID LUIZ
DIGNE Lucas
DOUCHEZ Nicolas
IBRAHIMOVIC Zlatan
LAVEZZI Ezequiel
MATUIDI Blaise
MAXWELL
PASTORE Javier
RABIOT Adrien
SIRIGU Salvatore
THIAGO MOTTA
THIAGO SILVA
VAN DER WIEL Gregory
VERRATTI Marco

 

Absents: 
AURIER, DIAW, LUCAS, MAIGNAN, MARQUINHOS

 

Source: psg.fr.

"IT'S UNACCEPTABLE"

2015.03.14 | Zlatan Unplugged

ZLATAN'S THOUGHTS BEFORE BORDEAUX-PSG

Tomorrow PSG face Bordeaux in a semi-tough Ligue 1-game, a game that PSG really doesn't afford to lose. The days after the Chelsea-game has been about recovering for the team, but Zlatan who only played 30 minutes is probably eager to get back on the pitch. Read the interview with him today.

 

It has been a few days since the dramatic match against Chelsea in the round of sixteen in the Champions League. How is the spirit in the squad after the advancement?

ZLATAN: "The spirit is on top, just as it was before the match."

In the match against Chelsea, you got a controversial red card already in the 31st minute. What reactions and comments have you got from coaches and teammates after the match?

ZLATAN: "They are saying exactly what the rest of the world is saying – that it wasn't a red card and that it's unacceptable."

You had to follow this epic drama from the sideline instead of contributing on the pitch. How did that feel?

ZLATAN: "I believe in my teammates and know what they are capable of, which they showed today."

If we instead focus on tomorrow, an important away match against 6th-placed Bordeaux. What kind of match do you anticipate against Les Girondins?

ZLATAN: "It's a difficult match, but we need to win if we are to win the league."

Previously, you have said that Bordeaux Swedish striker Isaac Kiese Thelin has a bright future. After seven played matches in League 1 he has scored one goal. How hard is it to make the leap from the Swedish to the French league

ZLATAN: "It takes time to get into it."

Source: Zlatan Unplugged.

"I'M HAPPY AND PISSED"

2015.03.11 | Zlatan Unplugged

ZLATAN'S THOUGHTS AFTER CHELSEA-PSG

PSG delivered a fantastic performance with only 10 men and beat Chelsea in extra time after David Luiz and Thiago Silva scored. Unfortunately Zlatan (wrongly) was sent off after 30 minutes so naturally his emotions were mixed after the game.

 

First of all, congratulations on the advancement! After 120 minutes, of which you were reduced by one man for almost 90, PSG eliminates Chelsea in the round of sixteen of the Champions League. What are your thoughts immediately after the final whistle?

ZLATAN: "I'm happy and pissed."

In the 31st minute, you got the red card after a duel with the Brazilian defender Oscar. What's your opinion of the situation and the referee's decision?

ZLATAN: "The ref has no clue of the situation. I retract my legs and at the same time the opponent comes charging in a slide tackle, so it's a 50/50 situation. A red card? – No. After that, I saw eleven Chelsea players around the referee whining. The decision is unacceptable and we should not look away from that just because we went through. When they watch the replay they will see that it's an incorrect decision and revoke it."

You had to follow this epic drama from the sideline instead of contributing on the pitch. How did that feel?

ZLATAN: "I believe in my teammates and know what they are capable of, which they showed today."

What is it that makes PSG succeed in what you failed to do last season – take out Chelsea in the Champions League?

ZLATAN: "We should have eliminated them already last year. That's the difference."

Which players would you like to give special praise after tonight's feat?

ZLATAN: "All of them."

Source: Zlatan Unplugged.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE-QUARTERFINAL!

2015.03.11 | Chelsea-PSG 2-2 (3-3)

PSG DELIVERED A FANTASTIC PERFORMANCE

PSG are through to the Champions League quarterfinal.

Despite Zlatan being sent off Paris fought bravely and beat Chelsea on away goals after 120 intense, passionate minutes of football.

 

FULL GAME REPORT.

"WE ARE GOING TO PLAY OUR GAME"

2015.03.10 | Zlatan Unplugged

ZLATAN'S THOUGHTS BEFORE CHELSEA-PSG

PSG and Zlatan have landed in London and tomorrow 20.45 it's time for the big, big game. Chelsea-PSG in Champions League Round of 16, game 2. Read Zlatan's thoughts before the game.

 

It's time for the most important match of the season, the deciding meeting with Chelsea in the round of sixteen. The first match ended 1-1 and Chelsea now has the upper hand in the match tomorrow at Stamford Bridge. How big an advantage does Chelsea's away goal mean?

ZLATAN: "It's always good to score away. But considering the result in the first match this round is still open."

You know Chelsea's charismatic and successful manager Jose Mourinho well from your time together in Inter. Is the Portuguese the world's best coach?

ZLATAN: "He is a very good manager with an impressive CV."

You made a strong performance in the first match against Chelsea and was the controlling team. Do you see PSG as a more skilled team than Chelsea?

ZLATAN: "We play more ball than they do."

Chelsea hasn't lost a single home game in the Premier League or the Champions League all season. In addition, they finish 70 % of their matches at Stamford Bridge without conceding a goal. What is PSG going to do tomorrow to break Chelsea's impressive trend?

ZLATAN: "We are going to play our game, create chances, and nail the chances as they come."

Source: Zlatan Unplugged.

PSG SQUAD FOR CHELSEA

2015.03.09 | psg.fr

20 PLAYERS AVAILABLE FOR WEDNESDAY

Laurent Blanc today presented the 20 players-squad who will face Chelsea on Wednesday. The biggest news are that Thiago Silva is fine and available and Cabaye is back. Zlatan is of course there, the only players unavailable are the previously injured Lucas, Aurier and Diaw.

 

PSG Squad for PSG-Chelsea Wednesday 11 March 20.45:

BAHEBECK Jean-Christophe
CABAYE Yohan
CAMARA Zoumana
CAVANI Edinson
DAVID LUIZ
DIGNE Lucas
DOUCHEZ Nicolas
IBRAHIMOVIC Zlatan
LAVEZZI Ezequiel
MAIGNAN Mike
MARQUINHOS
MATUIDI Blaise
MAXWELL
PASTORE Javier
RABIOT Adrien
SIRIGU Salvatore
THIAGO MOTTA
THIAGO SILVA
VAN DER WIEL Gregory
VERRATTI Marco

 

Source: psg.fr.

"WE ARE READY"

2015.03.07 | Zlatan Unplugged

ZLATAN'S THOUGHTS AFTER PSG-LENS

PSG easily beat Lens today and Zlatan scored once on a penalty and gave Pastore a beautiful assist to the final goal 4-1. On Wednesday awaits Chelsea in the Champions League. Read what Zlatan said after the game.

 

Tonight's match against Lens ends in a 4-1 win which means three important points in the fight for the league title. You dominated ball-possession, shots on goal, and scoring chances. Are you happy with your performance?

ZLATAN: "Yes, I'm happy. We won the match and scored many goals."

You scored PSG's second goal from eleven meters and you were also involved in your fourth goal as you chipped the ball elegantly to Pastore. How is the form after your two-match suspension?

ZLATAN: "It felt good today. I created chances and felt that I..."

David Luiz now has scored in two straight matches and is a constant threat as a skilled head player and free-kick striker. How important is the Brazilian defender to PSG?

ZLATAN: "He is very important to us."

Now all eyes and full focus is turned towards the deciding Champions League match in London on Wednesday. Was tonight's three points, four PSG goals, and no new injuries the perfect warmup before the match against Chelsea?

ZLATAN: "That will be a completely different match, but we are ready."

Source: Zlatan Unplugged.

MESSAGE SENT TO LONDON

2015.03.07 | PSG-Lens 4-1

PSG EASILY BEAT A WEAK LENS

PSG totally dominated Lens today and won 4-1.

Zlatan made his comeback with a penalty goal and a beautiful assist.

The perfect message to Chelsea before Wednesday.

 

FULL GAME REPORT.

"BETTER SEASON THAN LAST"

2015.03.07 | Zlatan Unplugged

ZLATAN'S THOUGHTS BEFORE PSG-LENS

Zlatan is finally back after his two games-suspension. PSG are playing Lens at 17.00 tonight, the final game before Chelsea on Wednesday. During his time off, he spent some time in the Swedish mountains, but has been training with the team most of the time.

 

After a two-match suspension it's time to enter Parc des Princes again tomorrow when you face Lens. Have you had time to miss playing football?

ZLATAN: "I've practiced every day, so what I've missed is playing matches."

You had high-flying plans for your time off, but how have you really used the suspension time?

ZLATAN: "I have been hanging out with the family."

This is Lens first season in Ligue 1 since 2010/11. Right now they are in 19th place with 22 points after 27 played matches. What are your impressions of Lens?

ZLATAN: "I don't know much about them."

You have reached the final in the League Cup, the semifinal in the French Cup, and the score against Chelsea is 1-1 after the first match in the round of sixteen in the Champions League. Also, you are in second place in Ligue 1, one point behind Lyon. What will it take for you to see 2014/15 as a successful season?

ZLATAN: "So far I think we are doing a better season than last."

Source: Zlatan Unplugged.

PSG THROUGH TO THE SEMIFINAL

2015.03.04 | PSG-Monaco 2-0

PARTY IN PARIS DESPITE ZLATAN'S ABSENCE

On Sunday PSG drew against Monaco in Ligue 1 but tonight's cup-game they (without Zlatan) were stronger and better. Luiz scored already in the second minute and Cavani made it 2-0 in the second half, which became the fulltime result. This means that PSG are through to the French Cup Semifinal.

 

Next game is on Saturday vs Lens in the league, the last game before the return leg against Chelsea on Wednesday. Zlatan will play both games!

 

Source: psg.fr.

NO IBRA - NO PARTY

2015.03.01 | Monaco-PSG 0-0

PSG FAILED TO TAKE THE LIGUE 1-LEAD

With Zlatan suspended against Monaco in Ligue 1 tonight, PSG played Pastore up front next to Cavani and Lavezzi. It was a very tight game in which PSG were the better team but didn't manage to score. Monaco has kept alot of clean sheets on Stade Louis II this season and tonight they got another one. 0-0 was the end result. No Ibra - No Party.

 

PSG failed to take the Ligue 1-lead after seeing both Lyon and Marseille lose this round. Ligue 1 standings after 27 rounds 1 March 2015:

1. Lyon, 54 p.

2. PSG, 53 p.

3. Marseille, 50 p.

4. Monaco, 44 p.

 

Next game is also against Monaco, this time in the French Cup Quarterfinal on Wednesday at Parc des Princes. Zlatan is suspended in that game as well but will be back on Saturday when PSG play Lens in Ligue 1 and then the week after it's time for the second leg vs Chelsea in Champions League.

 

PSG starting XI today:

 

Source: psg.fr.