Mourinho facing a tough challenge, warns Ibrahimovic

Barcelona striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic believes newly-appointed Real Madrid manager José Mourinho will face a difficult first season at the Bernabéu.

Ibrahimovic, 28, described the task Mourinho faces in attempting to dethrone Barcelona at the pinnacle of Spanish football as a “big challenge”.

“It’s a big challenge for Mourinho,” said Ibrahimovic. “I don’t believe in Madrid, but I believe in Mourinho.”

”He is one of the best coaches in the world. He is an expert at taking teams to the top, but we are the best team in the world.”

The striker played under the Portuguese coach for one season at Inter Milan, with the pair winning the 08-09 Serie A title and the Italian Super Cup before the Swedish star’s €69 million transfer to the Camp Nou.

But despite having enjoyed success together, Ibrahimovic all but ruled out a switch to join his former boss at the Bernabéu by describing Barça as the “best in the world.”

“I’m at the best club in the world,” he said. “Last year in Italy I had won just about everything. I needed big challenges and that’s why I took the step (to join Barcelona).”