Agent slams Sweden coach over Ibrahimovic comments

The agent of Barcelona and Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic on Tuesday slammed new national coach Erik Hamren for making public the player’s doubts on his international future.

“A player with Zlatan’s status should be able to have the right to reflect in peace without being put under pressure in this fashion,” Mino Raiola told the Aftonbladet tabloid.

“I would have acted differently. This risks aggravating the situation,” Raiola added.

He was speaking after Hamren explained he had not selected Ibrahimovic, 22 goals in 62 games, in his 24-man squad to face Italy in a November 18 friendly after the pair had a discussion during which Ibrahimovic said he was considering his international future.

“There is a name missing – that of Zlatan. He does not know if he wants to continue playing in the national side. You cannot force a horse to drink. I want motivated players in the national side.

“I had hoped for a better start. I was surprised. I don’t want to go into the reasons for this but it’s something that (Zlatan) has been thinking about for a long time,” Hamren said Monday.

Ibrahimovic, 28, was voted Sweden’s player of the year for the fourth straight time on Monday for his exploits with Inter Milan ahead of his move to Barca as well as in the yellow and blue of his country – although the Swedes failed to qualify for the World Cup.

Opinion is divided in Sweden, however, on his situation with the national side with some detecting a lack of motivation while others believe Hamren’s comments could hasten the striker’s eventual exit from the international arena.

Hamren took over last week after Lars Lagerback fell on his sword following the team’s failure to reach the World Cup finals in South Africa next summer, though the former will also retain his responsibilities as coach of Norwegian side Rosenborg next season.