Zlatan Ibrahimovic often courts criticism, but Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has backed his former striker, hailing him a leader .
Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has defended Paris Saint-Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic by claiming he is a great professional who is misinterpreted.
Ancelotti was in charge of the Sweden international during his time at PSG, with the pair part of the successful 2012-13 Ligue 1-title winning team.
Ibrahimovic s conduct both on and off the pitch has created controversy throughout his career amid rumours of disputes with team-mates, coaches and opponents in the past.
Marseille full-back Rod Fanni earlier this month claimed he had previously wanted to punch Ibrahimovic, who also hit the headlines in the aftermath of PSG s 1-1 draw with Lyon on Sunday when he walked off midway through a post-match interview.
Ancelotti, though, thinks any criticism of him is unfair.
He jokes and he is a very happy man, he s just kidding, Ancelotti told Sport Bild. But the image that people have of him is all wrong.
One time he asked me if I believe in God, so I replied yes, he then asked me, do you think it is me?
He loves to joke and that is just the way he is but inside there is a great professional.
He is a winning type, a fighter and a leader within the team.
I can think of very few strikers like him who prefers to find a great pass than to score a goal.
