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Ibrahimovic reminds me of Cantona, says former Marseille coach

Xinhua, April 2, 2015 Adjust font size:

Former Marseille coach Jose Anigo believed that Paris Saint-Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic should have enjoyed a better life at Stade Velodrome instead of that at Parc des Princes.

The 53-year-old, who took over from Elie Baup as caretaker boss last season before Argentine Marcelo Bielsa took the reign in summer, told Wednesday's Le 10 Sport that the Swede would've been loved despite his recent rant.

"If he had played with OM, Marseille fans would have supported him while everyone else heckled him," he said. "He reminds me of Cantona."

Eric Cantona, nicknamed by Manchester United fans as "King Eric ", helped the United to win four Premier League titles in five years, and two League and FA Cup doubles in 1992-1997.

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel also said last week that Ibrahimovic would be ideally suited to Manchester United as he feels he would blossom at Old Trafford in the same way as Cantona.

Ibrahimovic was caught on camera after PSG's 3-2 loss to Bordeaux on March 15 calling France "a shit country" while complaining on a referee's performance.

"The country does not deserve the PSG. We are too good for them, " said the 33-year-old, who apologized on the very night through the Ligue 1 champions website after a fallout from his outburst.

The 33-year-old, having inspired the capital club to two Ligue 1 titles since his move from AC Milan in 2012, will face a French Football League (LFP) disciplinary commission hearing on April 9 over his foul-mouthed rant.

This weekend, the currently third-placed Marseille host the leaders PSG in the 31st round of Ligue 1 and Anigo was confident that his former club would win.

"I am convinced that Marseille will win," he said. "PSG is still very strong, but they don't threaten as much in attack. If Bordeaux can beat them, then Marseille can."

Ibrahimovic has scored 17 goals in 21 league matches this season heading into Sunday's match against Marseille, who sit two points behind the leaders. Endite