The relationship between temperamental forward Ibrahimovic and disciplined and focus-minded coach Pep Guardiola did not go well from the very beginning.

To begin with, it must be said that so far we only have Ibra's side of the story, which was published in his book I am Zlatan. The relationship between coach and player deteriorated progressively as Ibrahimovic performances lost brilliance and effectiveness during the season. This fact, coupled with Ibrahimovic's more individualistic style, (which did not fit Barcelona's classy team game) might have created a gulf between them. In this sense, rumours say Guardioal and Zlatan did not speak to each other for half the season.

Rumour or not, the truth is Zlatan spoke openly about Guardiola in his book and in the press, defining the coach as a "philosopher" in a despising manner. It is possible to believe that Guardiola's distaste for flamboyant players (and Zlatan was one of them) contributed to their distancing. Finally, and most likely, Zlatan could not cope with Messi's top performing that season scoring 4 great goals against Arsenal. For a top star like Ibrahimovic, to be almost ignored and substituted in some matches was probably too much for his ego.