SKIP TO MAIN CONTENT

Under-pressure Ibrahimovic ready for Irish challenge

PARIS (Reuters) - Zlatan Ibrahimovic said he was under pressure to perform well in Sweden's opening Euro 2016 game against Ireland at the Stade de France on Monday but that the greatest pressure came from himself.

Under-pressure Ibrahimovic ready for Irish challenge
(Reuters)

2 min read

Published

Source: Reuters


Skip to article content

Flanked by Sweden coach Erik Hamren, the 34-year-old captain fielded the lion's share of the questions at Sunday's media conference and said he was looking forward to getting involved in the tournament.

"I have the greatest share of the pressure, and it comes from myself," he told reporters. "The others can sit back, they can go on to the field and do their best. I am going to take the pressure off them."

Drawn with Belgium and Italy in Group E, the Swedes will be looking for a win in their opening game against the Irish which would give them a good chance of qualifying for the knockout stages.

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

"We are not here to see others play football; we are going to do all we can to qualify," he told reporters.

Hamren said that his side had no injury worries ahead of the clash and that the full squad had taken part in all the training sessions since arriving in France last Wednesday.

Set to leave Paris on a free transfer this summer after four trophy-laden years at Paris Saint Germain, Ibrahimovic arrived in the French capital on Sunday hoping to help the Swedes do better than they did at Euro 2012, when they went home after the group stage.

"We want a good start and a good result tomorrow," Ibrahimovic said. "My goal is to enjoy it and do as well as I can.

"I feel strong, I have a good season behind me and hopefully I can take that with me (into the tournament)."

(Editing by Clare Fallon)


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world