Ibrahimovic: Disappointed at being replaced
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has acknowledged that his reaction to being taken off on Sunday was out of order.
The Sweden international was replaced by Hernan Crespo with 12 minutes remaining in Internazionale’s 2-1 win over Palermo.
Coming off the back of Mancini’s recent threat to quit the club at the end of the season, Ibrahimovic is alleged to have told his coach: “I wish you would leave,” as he trudged off the field.
The striker has since denied making the remark, and his manager insists that relations between the pair remain amicable.
Important player
“Everything is okay between us,” Mancini said.
“Ibrahimovic is always an important player for us, even if he is not currently in the best physical condition.
“He personally apologised to me after the game and there are no problems.
“It can happen when a player is replaced that they react in the wrong way. Football is full of similar episodes.”
Useful lead
The weekend win ensured that Inter remain six points clear of nearest rivals Roma at the top of Serie A, and Mancini has spoken of his delight at establishing such a lead with just 10 games remaining.
“It is obviously better to have six points more than less,” he said.
“Those who are behind can not afford any failures, while those in front have a certain margin for error.
“Anyway, we always play to get the three points and will continue to do so.”
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