‘He didn’t let me get bigger!’ – Ibrahimovic believes Haaland’s progress at Man City depends on Guardiola’s ‘ego’

Milan forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic has heaped praises on Erling Haaland but believes his progress at Manchester City will depend on Pep Guardiola’s ego.

Haaland has started the season on fire, hitting the ground running with Manchester City and scoring 22 goals in 16 games.

Ibrahimovic, who is injured with cruciate ligament surgery on his left knee, has been using his recovery time to speak a lot.

Speaking to Canal+, the Milan forward has given his verdict on Haaland and has made it clear he thinks very highly of City’s big-money summer signing.

“I like Haaland very much, he’s a very intelligent player, he doesn’t do things that aren’t within his reach, he doesn’t drop deep to play the ball, he waits in front of the goal and scores. He reminds me of players like Inzaghi, Trezeguet and Vieri. He is a sort of ‘new version’ of all three.”

However, Ibrahimovic is not sure how the Norwegian will progress at the Etihad Stadium and has suggested that Guardiola could hinder his development.

“It depends on Guardiola’s ego, whether he lets him become bigger than he is or not. Because he didn’t let me get bigger? Me or others? Not only me, many others.”

Ibrahimovic knows what it’s like to work with Guardiola but famously did not see eye to eye with the coach during his time at Barcelona. Indeed, Ibrahimovic has even said he feels likehe “lost his identity” during his brief time at Camp Nou.