Ajax player: Zlatan Ibrahimovic

greenspun.com : LUSENET : Ajax USA : One Thread

This is the place to post your comments and questions about Zlatan Ibrahimovic, #9.

-- Anonymous, July 11, 2001

Answers

Hey Bosnia4ever, I can't blame you for bitching around that he doesn't play for Bosnia. I understand you completely, but luckily he is born in Sweden and already played his first national for us so it's toooo late. And about your argumantation for the case... I'm not even going to comment it, because it's too difficult to come anywhere from here when we all have too much passion for him ;)

Wish you all the best Zlatan. I never liked to look at the Swedish national team playing before you came, but now I go with the bicycle 20 minutes in wind and rain to see just you. Thank you for existing Zlatan.

/Forza Roma

-- Anonymous, February 10, 2003


Hello everybody,

To me it doesn't matter for witch national team Zlatan plays for as long as he in that team it's fine with me. And afcourse Zlatan knows his background and his name is not from Sweden. But you can't forget the fact he is born in Sweden and grow up there so i find it only natural that he is playing for the Sweden squad. If i can choose i choose him in the Dutch team haha! No hard feelings to anybody but let the tall guy play and enjoy what this incredible good player show us so we can enjoy all around the world. This for Zlaat, keep up the good work, and stay as you are that makes you a great and unique person off the field and on the field.

Love Esther de Vries Holland

-- Anonymous, February 10, 2003


By the way he could play for another national team he would just have to make a short termed pause while the procedure and all formalities are done.

Yeah I dont wanna forget to mention that I recently read a great news article in a Bosnian magazin www.bhdani.com where Zlatan was talking among other things , how proud he is of his Bosniac origine.

In the game aginst Feyenord Zlatan did confirm once again that he is one of the best forwards in Europe. He has capacity and potentials to be the BEST forward in Europe and perhaps in the whole world. he just has to take it seriously and dont fool around too much.

He learned to play footbal in an immigrant club "Balkan" in Malmö. His skills got developed partly due to hard trainings partly thanks his genealogy and his sense for the boll.

-- Anonymous, February 10, 2003


You swedes are really pathetic with emphasizing Zlatans "Swedishness".

I wonder if u would be as eager as u are now to call him a swede if he were just a simple unemployed janitor from Rosengård in Malmö/Sweden with the background of imigrated parents and with a weird first and lastname.

My first guess would be that the most of you native swedes would despize him and call him a "blatte". For those who dont know what "blatte" means let say that it could be compared with the expression "nigger" in the american south.

-- Anonymous, February 10, 2003


Eeehh... You can forget about Zlatan playing in the National Team for Bosnia. Zlatan has already played many games for SWEDEN, and the rules are, that he can never play for Bosnia or any other country once he has represented Sweden at national level. So forget about it! Zlatan is Swedish FOREVER! HA!

-- Anonymous, February 09, 2003


Hey Zlatan... I know you dont read this but anyways... You are a good player and people of BOSNIA believe that one day they will see you play in the Bosnian National Team jersey I believ so... I dont know what to say you do your thing man. You are new Bosnian MEHO KODRO that number 9 is waiting for you... Anyways good luck and do what's best for you... SRETNO ZLATANE!!!!!!!!!!

-- Anonymous, February 07, 2003

ZLATAN I LOVE YOU DO YOU HAVE A GIRLFRIEND PLEASE MAIL ME

-- Anonymous, February 04, 2003

Hi Mister Ibrahimovic,

haha little joke of mine let's start over.

Dear Zlatan(that's better isn't it?)

How are you? Thanks a lot for making my day together afcouse with the whole ajax team. You score two brilliant goals today agaist Willem II. I have met you for a view times now at the parctice on saterday morning and afcourse i have a season ticket so i can watch you even more haha! i don't know if you a all happy about that fact but i am (joke)! Okay enough of this talk let's get serious!!! brrrr bbrrrr are you scared already?

Okay now i really getting serious i just like to say to you You keep inproving yourself in all ways and you have make me laugh a lot. Your just for me a crazy(in the good way) and funny guy..... okay your are sweet as well here you go i have said it.

You are a great player if you didn't know that already i have always know you are a fab. player and that it will work out for you because you have the skills and right mind for it. Don't worry Zlat, your be more than okay i am convinced of that. I wanne wish all the best and keep up the good work stay as you are because that makes you ....you, and i talk to you soon at the practice maybe tommorrow!

A big kiss xxxx

Esther de Vries Lelystad, Holland

-- Anonymous, February 02, 2003


VISIT : HTTP://WWW.GEOCITIES.COM/US_MACHIELSE/ZLATAN_MAIN.HTML

eVERYTHING ABOUT ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC..WITH UPDATED NEWS,POLLS,AUDIO/VIDEO..AND MORE

-- Anonymous, January 27, 2003


I JUST WANT TO SAY THAT I AM THE BIGGEST ZLATAN FAN I IN THE WORLD.. OKEY IT IS SO MANY WHO LIKES HIM.. BUT I AM THE BIGGEST.. AND I HAVE MET HIM LOTS OF TIMES.. AND I HOPE THAT ONE DAY.. WE CAN MET JUST YOU AND ME BECUSE I HAVE SOME VERY IMPORTANT TO TELL HIM!! SO IF HE READ THIS.. PLEASE ITS SOMETHING I HAVE TO TELL... TAKE CARE.

-- Anonymous, January 27, 2003


Zlatan, du e den sötaste, finaste, manligaste, roligaste, gulligaste, sexigaste varelse på denna planet! *blink..*

Du e min drömprins å jag kan bara inte släppa dig! Varför kan du aldrig svara mig? Jag kan lova att jag har skrivit mest till dig på dina hemsidor! Läser du aldrig?! Det kanske e för att du tror att jag typ e 13 år men jag e 17.

Jag e känd för att tycka om dig! Alla vet om det! Vissa tycker att jag e rätt knasig eftersom att jag bara snackar om dig hela tiden! Men det struntar jag i!!

Ber till Gud att vi träffas nån gång! Det e min högsta önskan!

Många pussar från Susanna från V-ås!

-- Anonymous, January 18, 2003


I think Zlatan will be one off the greatest players the world has ever seen! Go Zlatan!

-- Anonymous, January 17, 2003

I think that Zlatan Ibrahimovic is the greatest player, because he really lift up the other players. I have to say that im the biggest danish fan. Nyhuus

------->Keep on playing Zlatan<-------

-- Anonymous, January 13, 2003


Now when we stand in front of a new year I feel that it´s time we pay tribute to Zlatan Ibrahimovic. He has more or less on his own carried this young and to be honest quiet mediocre team on his bare shoulders. So praise be! Hallelujah!

-- Anonymous, December 27, 2002

You're totally right, I think he is even beter then van Basten, have you ever seen him touching and controlling the ball with his DICK. And zlatan does that every week!!!

Nice to see more poeple with the same thoughts...

-- Anonymous, December 23, 2002



Zlatan is like a God...the way he toutches a ball the way he moves his body.. He is the new van Basten now i know for certain

-- Anonymous, December 22, 2002

WWW.ZLATAN.VOETBALT.NL

-- Anonymous, December 18, 2002

I wish you the best Jakob. You had a tough job discussing fotball with the sad and pathetic losers who frequently visit this forum. I apologise on their behalf and hope that you´ll return one day to take care of your website.

-- Anonymous, December 18, 2002

I'm a great fan of him, I want to be just like him when I'm a big boy! I have set up a fansite of him I just love him, I think I'm the greatest fan around the world. I met him a few weeks ago, I haven't showerd since this impressive meeting!!

Just do the quiz at my zlatansite and let me see if you are a real Ibraman!! http://www.geocities.com/zlatanforpresident/ (It's in dutch)

-- Anonymous, December 16, 2002


Jakob, Congratulations and thanks for Zlatantv. Totally first class! Here's wishing you every success in the military!

-- Anonymous, December 14, 2002

From me too: a big thank you to Jakob for starting and maintaining this truly excellent fan site. Good luck in the military - and I'm sure we'll meet again. No doubt.

All the best.

-- Anonymous, December 14, 2002


Congratulations jakob and Thank YOU.

My friends didn't know a damn thing about zlatan....

I showed'em the zlatan movie at the university.....ann thy sort of cried in front of the screen.

Your site is reaalllly cool. I hope you'll comeback with other good projects. Bye.

-- Anonymous, December 13, 2002


Jakob, thanks for everything!information, movies, rumours[haha], interviews..etc. You were a very good webmaster, and you can be very proud of yourself and zlatan.tv! good luck and take care! ciao,x

-- Anonymous, December 11, 2002

Zlatan told Swedish press yesterday that Jari Litmanen was by far the best player he had ever played with. In case you didn't know that already.

Another thing, www.zlatan.tv will be down from now on. This due to military duties. The site might be back in the coming weeks, but with a new (dutch) webmaster. Don't really know about that yet...but I (Jakob) will not update the site anymore.

Thanks anyway to all of you who visited the site. It has been a pleasure dealing with you. Especially you Menno!

-- Anonymous, December 11, 2002


First http://www.divx.com/divx/ (divx codec to watch zlatan movie)

Second http://www.multi.fi/~jakobg/zlatan/video.htm (The Zlatan Movie (Zlatan.tv recommends!))

Third the_zlatan_movie.avi (double klick!)

Very good i must say!... www.zlatan.tv

-- Anonymous, December 03, 2002


Nice to see that Jake hasnt lost his vast skills of logical discussion ;-) Maybe one day he will post something on these forums which are factually correct.

-- Anonymous, November 28, 2002

"Menno: Go out and get yourself a girl."

Coals to Newcastle, my friend.

(Man, what a loon.)

-- Anonymous, November 28, 2002


"I`m sure he ment it as an insult. I have some advice for Menno. Go out and get yourself a girl. You need to focus on something else. Your almost perverted interest in Ajax reveals to us that you have certain issues that you have to deal with."

*LOL* ;-)

At least your name ends with '-quist'...

-- Anonymous, November 28, 2002


I`m sure he ment it as an insult. I have some advice for Menno. Go out and get yourself a girl. You need to focus on something else. Your almost perverted interest in Ajax reveals to us that you have certain issues that you have to deal with.

-- Anonymous, November 27, 2002

I'm sure that Menno didn't mean it as an insult.

(GO ZLATAN!!!)

-- Anonymous, November 27, 2002


Menno(about your question about the swedish nationalteam). No, and now when henrik larsson not plays for us anymore we have lost another -son...

Menno, I'm not sure what your point was with your question... Was it an insult? Was it meant for us swedish people to feel bad becase we have players with names that not ends with -son or qvist in our national-squad? Sweden takes a social responsibility and accepts refugees and people from other countries to come to sweden, why couldn't they then play for sweden if they want to? Is it difference from people to people you think? Look at the french team, the dutch team, the american team.

-- Anonymous, November 27, 2002


THANKS ZLATAN!

btw, what a shit referee... save the planet KILL HIM.

-- Anonymous, November 27, 2002


Right now, the annual International Documentary Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) takes place in Amsterdam's movie theatres. It's the largest scale and most prestigious documentary festival in the world. A few years ago, the Ajax documentary (Daar Hoorden Zij Engelen Zingen, or 'They Heard The Angels Sing') was shown during the IDFA festival. This year's edition features another documentary which is of interest to Ajax fans: Vägen tillbaka, which means 'On Their Way Back', is a Swedish documentary by Stefan Berg about the once great Swedish side Malmö FF, 'on its way back' to Sweden's highest football division. Our good friend Zlatan is the Big Man in the film. The movie is already available on video in Sweden, but it's its première in international movie theatres. For you Amsterdammers out there, and for folks who happen to visit the city this weekend: the documentary will be shown twice during the IDFA.

Calypso (hall 2), Thursday 28 November, 16:15.

City (hall 3), Saturday 30 November, 20:00.

There are more interesting documentaries about football, by the way, such as a portrait of Brazilian veteran Julio César.

Take a look at the English version of the IDFA homepage for the timetables and to find out how to get tickets.

As usual, there's more info on the formidable Zlatan.tv.

-- Anonymous, November 26, 2002


Your'e right Menno, the immigrants are taking over Swedish football more and more. There are still lots of sons and other Swedish names, but just take a look at the national team squad.

And if you go down a level, to the U-(16-21) teams it's even more. Seems like the immigrants have better genes or something. Or maybe they just train harded, what do I know...

-- Anonymous, November 18, 2002


Yeah i know about the N.T. games but hey...nothing is more important than your country's flag remember??? :-) I really don't like that attitude of some big clubs(not allowing their players to play for the N.T.).The federation should kick their ass...

-- Anonymous, November 18, 2002

Thanks Jakob. Good news, I suppose. Those friendly games with the national teams make me kind of nervous. Van der Vaart will go for it with Holland... We all remember what happened last time... :-/

By the way, Ajax Netwerk reports that Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Klebér Saarenpää are not available for Sweden. If I didn't know any better, I would have said: probably because they're not Swedish! Their names sound (respectively) pretty Yugoslavijan/Croatian and Finnish to me.

And their replacements are Daniel Majstorovic and Kennedy Bakircioglü... A Yugoslavijan and a Turkish guy? Jakob, is no-one named ...qvist or ...son anymore these days? What's next? A Swedish player named Kim-Yu Song or Ivan Ragmaninov, or something like that?? *LOL* ;-)

-- Anonymous, November 18, 2002


For those who are interested: Zlatan is staying in Amsterdam this week. That means he will not participate in Sweden's friendly against the Czech republic.

A wise decision. There are MUCH more important games coming up.

-- Anonymous, November 18, 2002


Zlatan is sick sore throat according to his agent, he will probably miss tommorrows big game.

-- Anonymous, November 11, 2002

No, it's probably not downloadable anywhere. It is on the "True Blue 2" DVD as a bonus, but in very low quality.

-- Anonymous, November 11, 2002

Ive heard something about an unbeleivable goal he scored at a training camp in spain. Does anyone know about it and if it is downloadable somewhere??

-- Anonymous, November 11, 2002

I just managed to download the ZlatanMovie.Well,the guy is gifted!I knew that already,but i saw him doing things with the ball that just can't be done by a football player.In this movie we can see all his abilities(extraordinary ball control,dribbling and tecknique),but all his weaknesses,too.As i saw in the movie,many of those fantastic moves had no result.That's the problem.Many times he makes those difficult fancy moves,and he knows that nothing good will come out.He is carrying the ball too much,and it is tiring for his teammates that run,cut and wait for a simple pass.But i know he is getting better in this...

-- Anonymous, November 10, 2002

Eeeh...I guess you ment you saw it on Zlatan.TV... ;)

-- Anonymous, November 09, 2002

I just saw Zlatan's "the zlatan movie" from zlatan.net. What the hell is this guy doing with the ball???!!!! I didn't know you could do such things. Amazing, amazing moves. I don't think I've ever seen any player in history do things like that. Let me tell you, if he can incorporate this smoothly into his play, keep his cockiness level down, while improving his goal-scoring abilities, he will be the world's best striker, ever.

-- Anonymous, November 08, 2002

Help me answer the question: In which highschool in Malmö did Zlatan go?

-- Anonymous, November 08, 2002

Hey! Just wanted to say; we are very proud in Malmoe of our Zlatan. Actually, I went to the same school as he did! (Rosengård) Zlatan is probably, along with Fredrik Ljungberg-Arsenal, the most inventive and colorful player Sweden has ever produced!

-- Anonymous, November 07, 2002

All of you should go to Zlatan.tv and download Zlatan - The Movie! It may take a while to download if you have a slow connection, but you'll be amazed by what this guy can do. A great soccer film of some six minutes. Thanks to our friend Jakob Granqvist for offering it!

As for Zlatan: give us some of that against Inter... :-)

-- Anonymous, November 05, 2002


That is just what he said happened :)

-- Anonymous, November 04, 2002

Ajax Netwerk reports today that UEFA has decided not to punish Zlatan for using his elbow against Rosenborg's Erik Hoftun. A UEFA spokesman is quoted saying that the disciplinary committee of the UEFA has watched the TV footage. Their conclusion was that Zlatan rather attempted to pull himself loose than that his action was an obvious violent foul.

-- Anonymous, November 02, 2002

So, it's finally here: 'The Zlatan Movie' at www.zlatan.tv!!! This is a video worth watching for every football fan.

Check it out!!!

-- Anonymous, October 31, 2002


Zlatan didn't have a great game. Ajax we defending the last 3rd of the field for long periods and Zlatan and Mido dropped back to midfield to pick up and hold the ball while midfielders came up to support. Neither Z nor M held the ball well though....Z lost possesion about 6 or 7 times in these situations by trying to do fancy tricks when he got surrounded by Lyon players. Eventually Koeman replaced them with van de Meyede (upfront with pace) and van de Vaart (midfield with though balls). This worked better and was how we got the second goal.

-- Anonymous, October 31, 2002

About the rumours that Ajax wants to sell Zlatan to clear up its financial situation: The G14 organization, an organization of the 18 biggest clubs in Europe including Ajax, have agreed to form a cartel against high player salaries. The total salaries cannot be more than 50-60 per cent of the club's total turnover. This is expected to be presented in Brussels next week. (www.zlatan.net).

-- Anonymous, October 31, 2002

Is Zlatan suspended against Inter? Hope not. Did he play well today? The soccer bars I looked into prefered showing Inter-Rosenborg, bad taste.

-- Anonymous, October 30, 2002

Hej Zlatan jag tycker att du är bäst ihela värden.

-- Anonymous, October 29, 2002

Zlatan and mido should always be played together when fit their both tall and both have strength .usually you would play a creative player alongside one of them,however this is not required as both players but espesially Zlatan are also very creative.With litmanen behind them both and Van der Vaart and Either Sikora or Van Der Meyde on the wings supplying crosses Zlatan and Mido should end up top goalscorers in the league.Hopefully they will spearhead a good run in Europe too. (And then inevitably Zlatan will be sold!)

-- Anonymous, October 28, 2002

Good news on the 'Southern-Europe wants Zlatan' front. We can forget about one candidate to buy him. UEFA and FIFA have 'frozen' the transfer activities of AS Roma, because they should pay their bills first (they haven't paid for the Emerson and Guigou transfers yet). Until they've paid, the FIFA has taken their credit card from them.

Nice one. They should do that to many more Southern European clubs that keep spending money that's not even there.

-- Anonymous, October 23, 2002


New rumours about Zlatan, according to a swedish newspaper, Barcelona wants to buy him.

-- Anonymous, October 22, 2002

Hej Zlatan... Jag kan ingenting om fotboll, verkligen INGET! Men det betyder inte att jag inte kan gilla dig! Vilket jag verkligen gör! Såå för skojs skull så skulle väl du kunna ringa mig?? Bara se om du är en av den sortens kändisar som gör det!! Annars får du ha det jättebra o jag önskar dig all lycka vad det gäller fotbollen o framgång för övrigt!! Många kramar Emma-0703635154

-- Anonymous, October 19, 2002

Heey Everybody!! Zlatan is the best player from Ajax and he hasn't shown al his qualities but he will show thwm in the future!! Watch WWW.ZLATAN.TV for the Latest News!!

-- Anonymous, October 18, 2002

"He is listed amoungst a clutch of players who have comitted the most fouls so far in the tournie."

Zlatan??? Twelve fouls???

He'll be shocked...

-- Anonymous, October 16, 2002


Whilst trawling UEFA.com for CL prize money I was very surprised to see our very own Zlatan mentioned in despatches. Why surprised - well he is listed amoungst a clutch of players who have comitted the most fouls so far in the tournie. The number for anybody interested in the statistics is 12.

-- Anonymous, October 16, 2002

So, Zlatan will not participate in Sweden's frinedly tomorrow, but has returned to Amsterdam already.

A very wise decision.

-- Anonymous, October 15, 2002


Hej Zlatan! Jag är lärare till en av dina fans. Han heter Nicklas Hallin, och han bor i Balltorp utanförMölndal. Han skulle bli väldigt glad om han fick din autograf. Ps snyggt mål du gjorde mot Ungern, hoppas du kan spela mot Portugal trots din skada ds Mvh Nicklas

Vår adress till skolan är Ryetskolan Rygatan 12 431 63 Mölndal Sverige

-- Anonymous, October 14, 2002


Thank you for your words of praise Menno! Always fun to be appreciated.

We'll see how things are with Zlatan. If you listen to Swedish media, Zlatan won't play against Portugal. But if ajax.nl says he will...then maybe he will. I think it would be best for everyone if he rested though.

-- Anonymous, October 13, 2002


Excellent stuff on Zlatan.tv indeed. It's a great website anyway. Go check it out. I thought this quote, from Swedish national team physiotherapist Anders Valntin, is particularly funny:

"What's your name? Where are you? What's the score? Zlatan passed all the questions. He said the score was 1-1, but he didn't know he was the scorer. I had to tell him that."

Great quote. Thanks to our friend Jakob Granqvist for this (and more) excellent stuff.

-- Anonymous, October 13, 2002


Jakob wrote: "A minor concussion. Nothing serious. But he'll probably not participate in the Sweden-Portugal game this Wednesday. I don't think there will be any problems with the coming Ajax games though."

An update just appeared on Ajax.nl. Ajax has been in touch with the doctors of the Swedish national team. Since Zlatan went 'out' for a few seconds, they wanted to take no risk and had him checked at hospital. It appears that it's not a concussion. It's nothing serious. According to Ajax.nl, Zlatan will play for Sweden in Wednesday's friendly against Portugal. He's also fit for Saturday's Ajax gama against AZ (he is now, that is...).

So, Chivu's returning to Amsterdam with just a minor injury, nothing bad happened to Bergdølmo, Litmanen 'survived' and Zlatan's alright...

Sounds like we can sleep quietly, tonight...

-- Anonymous, October 13, 2002


A minor concussion. Nothing serious. But he'll probably not participate in the Sweden-Portugal game this Wednesday. I don't think there will be any problems with the coming Ajax games though.

-- Anonymous, October 12, 2002

Ajax Netwerk.to is running a story that Zlatan suffered a concussion as a result of the incident mentioned in the last several posts.

-- Anonymous, October 12, 2002

Jakob wrote: "But he was also injured. Hopefully it was nothing too serious, but he was carried out and could not finish the game."

No shit... :-/

Who's next?

-- Anonymous, October 12, 2002


GOL GOL GOL GOL!!!! Zlatan saved the Swedish team again. 1-1 in the end of the game against Hungary. But he was also injured. Hopefully it was nothing too serious, but he was carried out and could not finish the game.

WWW.ZLATAN.TV

-- Anonymous, October 12, 2002


Hey guys, I'm from Roma and as you know people our couch Capello was intressted in Zlatan that's why I'm here to look on this page. I noticed your discussion and as a admirer but not supporter of Ajax I must say that Ajax counts as a very big but not big club in europe if you understand what i mean. The results the past decade speaks for itself and Ajax as team are very wellknown and admired in whole italy. Everybody remembers the final against Juve and all the good players that comes from them. You ajax fans should straighten oneselfes up - you should be really proud of such a fine team.

Forza Maggica Roma!

-- Anonymous, October 08, 2002


monsieur have you noticed the blue patch in the team jersey of Real Madrid, AC Milan, and Ajax? the one that looks like the CL trophy?! well only 4 clubs(is Liverpool the other one?) have been awarded by UEFA to wear that patch...that means they are the TOP clubs of Europe, not even Manchester United gets to wear it!

-- Anonymous, October 07, 2002

"This might come as a surprise to you billyboy but Ajax isn´t a topclub."

*LOL*

Two Champions League finals in the past decade. A Champions League Cup, a World Cup, a UEFA Cup and a European Super Cup won in the past ten years. Four European Champions Cups, a Cup Winners Cup, a UEFA Cup and two World Cups in total.

Ajax not a topclub...

Jake is so funny :-)

Ajax is one of the most succesful clubs in the world. And that's no ancient history. Only three or four clubs won all three European trophies at least once. Ajax did it between 1987 and 1995, so we don't even need the 'Glorious 1970s' to eb one of the greatest. 50% of all the European silverware was won in the past 15 years.

Gimme a break, kid. You've missed a few things.

Now, let's continue to ignore this pathetic creature. Sorry 'bout this one, guys.

-- Anonymous, October 06, 2002


This might come as a surprise to you billyboy but Ajax isn´t a topclub. Ajax is a club where big young talents get their education. A little bit like university for fooballplayers if you know what I mean? Of course the respect for Ajax is once again increasing as the rumours about superzlatan is spreading over Europe but it still doesn´t change Ajax position in the long run. If you listen to comments from the management in Ajax you would understand that they agree with me(or I agree with them!).

-- Anonymous, October 06, 2002

Guys (Jakob, Bill), Jake is provoking once again. Saying that Ajax is not a top club and that Mido is not a good player - etcetera. I'm sure he's enjoying himself. Let's just not reply to his posts anymore. Let's ignore him. Once you get into a real discussion, he's off the planet anyway. A hopeless case. Just let him be.

-- Anonymous, October 03, 2002

Happy Birthday Zlatan!

-- Anonymous, October 03, 2002

Inter, Barcelona and Man Utd are top clubs, right Jake? And Ajax defeated ManU and Barcelona in the AT and was the better team as they played Inter away. What does that say about Ajax then?

Sure, some of the Italian, Spanish and English clubs might afford to offer more money to the players, but Ajax is certainly a European topclub!

-- Anonymous, October 03, 2002


Jake said

"when Zlatan takes the next inevitable step and starts playing for a topclub"

Well as it might come as a complete surprise to you Jake, you better sit down.

Your mate Zlatan already plays for a topclub. Hup Ajax

-- Anonymous, October 03, 2002


Last nights game wasn´t a thrill but Zlatan made a good effort though. I am sure that Ajax will get a good transfersum when Zlatan takes the next inevitable step and starts playing for a topclub. Happy birthday Zlatan.

-- Anonymous, October 03, 2002

Happy birthday Zlatan. :-)

-- Anonymous, October 02, 2002

If we're talking about technique and technique only I'm sure Zlatan can compete with the absoulte best players in the world. (Bergdölmo in a Norwegian newspaper today: "On training Zlatan does thing with a ball that no one else can do")

But it takes a lot more than that to be a real top class footballer and Zlatan still has to work on some things to get up to Zidane and Figo's class.

-- Anonymous, October 01, 2002


hell yah .. ofcourse Zidane, Figo and Giggs can do more than him .. they're the best players in the world ! ofcourse they can !

-- Anonymous, October 01, 2002

Zlatan is the most talented player in Swedish history. I mean, not even Zidane, Figo or Giggs can do what he can with the ball. Remember Zlatan vs Liverpool in the friendly game a year ago.

-- Anonymous, September 30, 2002

Beer possibly....but what about the fridge? Then there's the phone to have pizza delivered, cable/satelite for the footy.....nope.....I'm afraid we needed to evolve.

I suggest this conversation be moved to Random Grab Bag...the local Zlatanists want to get back to Zlatan....

-- Anonymous, September 26, 2002


That's just shit. Rumores, rumores, rumores. Zlatan aint leaving Ajax for a long time.

Why in the World would the guy himself want to switch from a European top club to some English rubbish team that will never even qualify to the big tournaments in Europe?

-- Anonymous, September 26, 2002


Rudy wrote.....But what about the "van der Vaarters"????

A very good question which demands an answer - personally I dont think they will have a view as they will be too involved in their 24/7 vigil at his bedside as he recovers from another knee injury.

But hey, what value my personal thoughts as one of my deepest thoughts has been that the life we all had up there in those trees was a heck of a lot less complex and as such we shouldnt have evolved. I mean we could have still invented beer without evolving, couldnt we ? ;-)

So Rudy, whats your view ?

-- Anonymous, September 26, 2002


But what about the "van der Vaarters"????

-- Anonymous, September 26, 2002

I believe this one did the rounds a little while ago Rudy when he was reported as having been at the training ground. Apparently he was visiting a Swedish team-mate. However, if true then it will probably delight 3 sets of fans, namely :

The Midoists - for the removal of one of his main rivals for the striker role.

The Zlatanists - as he is bound to be moving to a club where his super-human powers are appreciated by the fans, and

Arsenal Fans - as Spurs will definetely win nothing at all with this purchase.

-- Anonymous, September 26, 2002


I know this is a boringly long saga, but just read this on tribalfootball.com:

Spurs favourites to land Ajax striker Ibrahimovic tribalfootball.com - September 26, 2002

Tottenham are favourites to sign Ajax striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The young Swedish international visited White Hart Lane before last month's transfer deadline and is said to favour a move to London.

AS Roma and Inter Milan have been linked with Ibrahimovic in recent days, while Sunderland were turned down by the youngster last month.

However, it's believed talks have already begun with Spurs representatives about a possible January transfer.

-- Anonymous, September 26, 2002


Zlatan is one of the most interresting soccer players i ever seen!! strength, size, kreativity and the ability to do magic tricks with the ball is really kicking ass.. as wll as his attitude!! Zlatan is an artist!! artists make the game more interresting!!

-- Anonymous, September 25, 2002

I just saw his work against Lyon and RBC on SuperShota . Damn, that first goal against the Frenchman is spec-tacular!!!

-- Anonymous, September 22, 2002

thank you, jakob... ciao X JULIE

-- Anonymous, September 19, 2002

Zlatan is los! :-D

-- Anonymous, September 19, 2002

Wow, I watched the three clips on Zlatan.tv and I just laugh at what he does the poor defenders. They look so concentrated to not let him do something on them, but it doesnt help. And to think that these are not bad defenders any of them. I dont care if he score any goals just as long he does those funny moves. Foppa upp i dagen!

-- Anonymous, September 18, 2002

As it says on the right side on the site "If your player can't read the videos, please download the free codecs at www.divx.com/divx."

It's very simple. Just download the codec (the one to the left) install it, it might even install it itself (don't remember). Then you'll be able to see the videos.

-- Anonymous, September 18, 2002


it doesn't work jakob..!!!!'error blablabla' i have windows xp.. and i don't know a thing about computers.. so do i have to download something? i can watch it on ajax.nl, but they don't have it yet.. but i think that it will come soon? i wanna see that goal 1000 times.. i'm soooo impressed! ciaooo, xjulie

-- Anonymous, September 18, 2002

Try WWW.ZLATAN.TV ;-) (only the first goal yet, but the second one will come soon...)

-- Anonymous, September 18, 2002

does anybody know where i can watch the zlatan goals again??? (from the match against lyon) xxxx...

-- Anonymous, September 18, 2002

Geo..... :-)

-- Anonymous, September 18, 2002

RUBEN:I am not into bobsleigh,i am into track n' field and half of my life i was playing soccer too.I know some things about soccer.I said Zlatan isn't a pure striker.Is it a problem with that?I also said he is gifted.Is it a problem with that too?He can do great things with the ball on his feet.But he can't make a descent header even if his opponent is 5 feet tall,and he won't slide to push the ball into the nets.Further more,when his teammates move with the ball,he is standing still waiting for a pass like he is a fucking statue or something.

The best striker Ajax ever had?Until i see more things of him,he is worse than many Ajax strikers,including Nikos Machlas AND Shota Arveladge.And please don't mention Marco's name in here.For God's sake!!!

What he did today was pure magic.And i'm sure he will do it many times in the future.I just hope that he will keep on doing his magic in a different position(as a free-satellite-striker).Cause he is not a striker.

Thank you for today's magic Zlatan.And let's hope that your fans learn how to read,and learn some more things about soccer...

PS:And please don't come in here and talk about Zlatan only when he scores.Cause in the eredivisie game against Zwolle where he lost chances that even my grandfather would turn into goals i didn't see any of you in here...

GO AJAX!!!

-- Anonymous, September 17, 2002


Jake >> No no no... Just listen to BIG MAN Geo, Zlatan JUST can´t score. He´s not even a striker. =)

Geo >> Maybe you´re better in bobsleigh or something, because from what I´ve read, you don´t know sh*t about soccer...

-- Anonymous, September 17, 2002


wowwwwwwwwwww zlatan!!!! i knew it... he's amazing.. i don't know what to say... his first goal, my goodness! beautiful, beautiful, beautiful! the whole action, haaaaalelujah.. and the second one, was a beauty too! 'man of the match' yeaaaah.. superman! now it is > zlaaaatan zlaaaatan zlaaaatan <

-- Anonymous, September 17, 2002

Another extraordinary performance by Zlatan. Is Zlatan the best striker in Ajax ever? In my opinion he is. He can only be compared to Van Basten who unfortunetely had a short career.

-- Anonymous, September 17, 2002

He has always been more comfortable playing in a 4-4-2 formation. In the national team, but also together with Mido in Ajax. Maybe Koeman should think about playing 4-4-2 more?

-- Anonymous, September 16, 2002

Taken from the match report:

"As usual, the Swede showed a few nice moves and some intelligent passes.." Hmmmmm...Well,this sounds like a satellite-striker,or the man-behind-the-striker(s) to me...

"Zlatan simply refuses to impose silence upon his many critics by converting the simplest of chances..." Once again doesn't sound like a true striker...

"Van der Meyde provided him with the perfect cross for a striker to slam his head against, but Zlatan just grazed the ball and saw it trickle wide. Mido would have scored this one, you could almost hear the crowd think..." And not ONLY Mido...Trust me my friends...

Hey coach!!!What about giving him another role in the team???I was right in many other cases last year,wasn't I Mr.Koeman??? ;-D

-- Anonymous, September 15, 2002


first i like to say that i like zlatan very much, i think he is a great, technical player, and a rising star, but.. what is his problem in amsterdam? i saw him playing with the national team, and, wow.. he was a total different player! is it 'only' his insecurity? the pressure? i hope so, that soon he will show his real moves.. because i still believe in him.. ciao xxxxxJulie

-- Anonymous, September 15, 2002

I am sorry about using the "Z" word Menno!

I will take your request as an order.

Enough already!

I Love Ajax!

-- Anonymous, September 13, 2002


Anti-Zlatan???Did i EVER say i don't like him as a player?Just because i don't think he is a true striker?By the way,Kluivert is a PURE striker.His style is completely different.Zlatan is a great football player,but from what i've seen in the games,and in his interviews he has a huge EGO...That's all...You can say whatever you want,but y'all know the truth.And i respect the fact that some of my Ajacied friends-that are much older than me and can judge a person in a better way-agree with me but they don't say anything in order to keep the peace in the boards.So i hope this sh*t ends right here...

-- Anonymous, September 13, 2002

Jakob wrote: "I think it's sad that because of the hype around Zlatan two groups have been formed. One Zlatan-group and one anti-Zlatan- group. He's a part of Ajax and we are all Ajax fans, right?"

Eureka. That's it.

Amen.

-- Anonymous, September 13, 2002


If my grey matter serves me well Jacob, I believe that the two camps as you have called them have sprung-up from the initial posts where it was promoted that Zlatan was the best thing since sliced bread. In the other corner, you have seen a number of people, some of whom have seen his displays in an Ajax shirt live at the games and some of whom have seen his displays on TV who have felt that he hasnt lived up to the original posting-hype. Some of these people (ie The American ;-) ) have gone on record in saying that whilst he certainly hasnt been great, the potential is there for him to become a very good player. What you also have seen is the ardent Zlatanists taking umbridge at the slightest criticism. This has lead towards a downward spiral in the discussions. I personally believe as is always the case the truth is somewhere between the two points of view. Whatever the merits of the man lets get behind him on the pitch. Hup Ajax

-- Anonymous, September 13, 2002

Hmm...I said nothing about Zlatan being as GOOD as Kluivert yet, but his physique and his style is about the same (kind of irrational guy)...How come you say that Zlatan can't be compared with Kluivert???

I think it's sad that because of the hype around Zlatan two groups have been formed. One Zlatan-group and one anti-Zlatan-group. He's a part of Ajax and we are all Ajax fans, right?

-- Anonymous, September 13, 2002


Hey I know there is a lot of support for Zlatan here, and it really goes over the top to be fair, but now I read that Zlatan is comparable to Kluivert?

The answer is no way! I wish this was true as an Ajax fan, but Zlatan has a long, long, long, way to go before he can be compared to Kluivert.

Please get real!

-- Anonymous, September 13, 2002


I totally agree. There is a very interesting match coming up this weekend. Maybe after that there will be more interesting stuff to talk about.

One other thing. Zlatan-Litmanen might just work out great. Correct me if I'm wrong, but Zlatan isn't that different from Kluivert, right? And Litmanen-Kluivert was a good dou back in the old days, right?

-- Anonymous, September 13, 2002


I don't know how other vistors to this thread are feeling, but I think the Zlatan discussion has become very unpleasant and very uninteresting, too.

Can you guys (all of you) please cut the crap about Zlatan being a shit person or not?

Please. It's not an order; just a request.

-- Anonymous, September 13, 2002


No Geo you're right. Not even we, big fans of Zlatan, can say that he is a good person for the simple reason that we don't know. You on the other hand seem to have a great skill to judge media persons on your own grey scale, shitty person or a nice guy. If I send a list of famous sport stars maybe you could be nice and mark an x if the person is a nice guy and an y if he is a shitty person. How wonderful and easy life can be.

-- Anonymous, September 13, 2002

Zlatan might not be Mother Theresa (or how you spell it :)), but I thought that people liked that side of him, that he wasn't like other players. But why are we discussing his personality in the first place, I see him as a good soccer-player, what he does in his spare- time is up to him as long as it don't interfere with his playing.

-- Anonymous, September 12, 2002

You see???Even you,as a big fan of Zlatan,can't say that he is a good person.So how do you expect the rest of the world to believe so?You say how can i judge if i don't know him.Well,i don't know personally Edmundo,or Maradona,or Charles Barkley but i do know that they are shitty persons.I also don't know personaly Chivu or O'Brien but i can tell that they are good persons.Don't act like you don't know what a kind of person Zlatan is...Please...

-- Anonymous, September 12, 2002

Please show me where I said that Zlatan is "such a nice guy". You're the one judging his personality, not me.

-- Anonymous, September 11, 2002

Who are you trying to convince that Zlatan is such a nice guy??? Yourself probably...

-- Anonymous, September 11, 2002

By the way, it's kind of odd how some people who has never talked to Zlatan can judge his personality as shit.

-- Anonymous, September 10, 2002

Zlatan did nothing wrong. This was said on Fotbollskväll (THE swedish footballshow). It was his friends who got in trouble with some jerk who tried to provoke Zlatan and when things started heating up, Zlatan just walked away. He did no molestation, caused no violence and the police was never looking for him. It's just the media bending the truth...

-- Anonymous, September 10, 2002

People never cease to amaze me. If you agree with what they say, you are a super intelligent person who understands everything in the world. However, if you hold a different view then you are as thick as s**t, do not understand anything at all and even become an American. A very good example of this is Jake's last post where he makes the comment that you can write a lot of crap about him ( him = Zlatan) at this forum. Just because we donot totally agree with Jake, it doesnt necessarily make it crap.

Yours Sad of America

-- Anonymous, September 10, 2002


It is good when we say that he has great skills,but bad when we say that he is sh*tty as a person???Both are true.Zlatan has a big ego and he is one of the most arrogant football players i have ever seen...But he is gifted too...

-- Anonymous, September 09, 2002

It´s a sad thing that people can´t leave him alone. Sweden is a small country. This episode reminds me of a Morrissey song."We hate it when our friends become succesful". If youré a nobody you can always try to beat up a footballstar and get recognized, otherwise you can write a lot of crap about him at this forum. It´s sad either way.

-- Anonymous, September 09, 2002

LMAO @ Bill...

Damn this Zlatan boy must be so f****** tough!You can see it in the game,where he tries to start s*** with everyone that looks at him twice.Now we saw what he can do in real life!He must start a new career.He can become a very succesfull Gangsta Rapper! Nobody f**** wit him.Ya heard me?

He be Tha Z-Dogg...

-- Anonymous, September 09, 2002


I checked out Zlatan tv. The story of the latest misadventure is there.So,if anyone wants a laughable(i.e. like something from the National Enquirer or the Sun)story, go there to read it. I would reprint but a)I don't know jack about such computer functions and b) I am doing something important like watching my lawn burn up due to the drought in the northeastern USA.

-- Anonymous, September 09, 2002

Zlatan is in trouble after a bar fight in Stockholm. His friends were arrested and Zlatan is suspected of molestation. This happened when the National team arrived home from Latvia, the fight was around 4 in the morning.

www.ZLATAN.TV

-

-- Anonymous, September 09, 2002


go zlatan, you can get the best things in ajax!

-- Anonymous, September 07, 2002

Is it true that Leo Benhaker once said:"Zlatan is a PURE #9"????? Cause if it's true,that makes him even more retarded than i thought he was...Zlatan is a great attacker,maybe he can be a great #10 if he wanted,maybe a -who knows?- winger,or even a great f****** goalkeeper...But he's not a "pure" number 9 at all...Damn,i am so happy that we have Leo in our team.His knowledge about football will help the team very much in the future...No doubt... :-P

-- Anonymous, August 29, 2002

Hpefully we can get an end to this transfer shit now. Zlatan's manager Anders Carlsson now says, in a press release, that all negotiations with Sunderland are over and that Zlatan never even thought about leaving Ajax.

The End!

-- Anonymous, August 28, 2002


A story of interest, especially with the on-going transfer saga, on the Planet Football website. This site is reporting that Sunderland are on the verge of signing....drum roll please...Nantes ace, and STRIKER no less, Pierre Yves Andre. Not a mention of Z-man's name anywhere in the story.

-- Anonymous, August 28, 2002

I for one wish transfer talk crap would go away. Either make the move or tell Peter Reid to crap in his hat. Kind of tough for Ronald Koeman to plan a striker rotation ,or look to the CL, when he doesn't know what shoe may drop tomorrow.No doubt about it though, Ajax best have a move in store if Zlatan is sold.

To go into the CL, or tough domestic fixtures for that matter, without 3 or 4 SOLID,CLASS striking options is to consign Ajax to the scrap heap.

-- Anonymous, August 28, 2002


Zlatan sold - again...

www.zlatan.tv

-- Anonymous, August 28, 2002


Here We Go Again :

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/dynamic/sport/football/story.html? in_review_id=679195

Personally for £8,000,000 I would let him go and use the money to pay for a Christmas Party for all Ajax-USA members and with whats left over increase the offer to Jari to a sensible amount.

-- Anonymous, August 27, 2002


A Ronald Koeman quote will appear on the Ajax USA homepage tonight that will be of interest to the Swedish Zlatan people... Go check it out :-)

Also, the entire Dutch sports press seems to expect that Ajax will play in a 4-4-2 formation today at Vitesse, with Mido and Zlatan playing from the start. Ajax played like that at Celtic FC and in the final half hour against Man Utd in pre-season. On both occasions it worked out very well, with Zlatan doing great (scoring both times).

-- Anonymous, August 25, 2002


Right... Ajax' technical director, Leo Beenhakker, has commented on the Sunderland thing. He did not deny that Sunderland was interested, but he said that there have been NO talks, that - quite logically - NO agreement has been reached and that there is absolutely NO WAY that Zlatan is leaving.

The Z-Man himself, meanwhile, said that he will reject any offer from Sunderland. He feels he now has the chance to fight himself into the team. he wants to focus on Ajax. Quote: "The Champions League is much more appealing to me than the English Premiership."

Case close, thank you very much. So we've had the AS Roma bullsh*t and the Sunderland bullsh*t. Next please...? Kind of boring, all that stuff.

-- Anonymous, August 21, 2002


and watch all of his greatest actions from the game against Russia at www.zlatan.tv. Enjoy!

-- Anonymous, August 21, 2002

MonsieurJake?! hehehe good for Zlatan then!

-- Anonymous, August 21, 2002

To add to the story swirling about Zlatan even more, guess which 20 year-old striker scored in the 90th minute to rescue a 1:1 draw against Russia today?

-- Anonymous, August 21, 2002

Hmm...wasn't that a whole other story. He is a midfielder and has nothing to do with their striker problems. And wasn't that deal already finished earlier?

-- Anonymous, August 21, 2002

check www.planetfootball.com and you can read there that Sunderland just got Matty Piper, a winger from Leicester. that move probably drains Sunderland's bank account if they really have one hehehe so it simply means that Zlatan is going to stay especially Leo Beefhacker does'nt want Zlatan to leave either. you can all read it there so i guess this Sunderland "thing" with Zlatan is over.

-- Anonymous, August 21, 2002

I agree with Jacob on the fact English football has stepped on the "rake of reality" this summer, with the big continental signings just not happening. TV contracts are up for review soon and the chairmen have seen the Nationwide (Div. II) clubs financially implode when the television gravy train ran out (just like the Italians are finding out right now). The transfer market is getting very "bearish".

Having said that Peter Reid is under a lot of pressure after last season's disappointing league place. Sunderland is not seen as a "big" club with few recent trophies, but they have a strong following in the North East and are obsessed with "catching up" with Newcastle. He might make a signing just to show he's doing something, assuming he can convince his chairman.

Obviously I hope it doesn't happen...three top class strikers are needed if a team is going to get anywhere in the (too long) Champions League. Injuries will happen it goes without saying, but a coach also needs the flexibility of changing striking formations against the top defences in Europe.

-- Anonymous, August 21, 2002


I don't think Zlatan will move, Bill. His manager or agent or what the f*** it's called in english said that no agreement has been made and Zlatan himself said that he wants to stay and play the Championsleague with Ajax. But you never know. Maybe Sunderland makes an offer that Ajax can't resist. But on the other hand, I don't think they want to spend that kind of money.

I hope he stays, anyway.

-- Anonymous, August 21, 2002


Rudy - most certainly cut down on the coffee and replace with Beer and Jenever. You could be correct about the Bryden/Bryson identity bit as I do sometimes receive snail-mail at work addressed as Bill Bryson.

-- Anonymous, August 21, 2002

Thank you Prof. Menno for the lesson in sophistics - no wonder I took up accounting as a career ;-)

If Zlatan does move on (and the Daily Telegraph in the UK is reporting that the clubs have agreed a £6.2 million deal), will this release money into the coffers for Jari to be re-approached ? What interesting times we live in.

-- Anonymous, August 21, 2002


Oooops...Apologies Jacob!

Rudy

PS Note to self...."Drink less Coffee"

-- Anonymous, August 21, 2002


Rudy: we have a Jakob and a Jake participating in this discussion. Jakob, the Zlatan.tv webmaster is a good fella. It was Jake (the one with the 'monsieur almquist' e-mail address) who seemed to lose it.

-- Anonymous, August 21, 2002

RE: Bill v. Jacob

Well, well....you leave your computer for a cup of coffee and you miss all the fun! It was all over early in the third round!!!

I think a small portion of humble pie (read: "apology") might be in order Mr Jacob.

Regarding the "Bill the Yank" issue...perhaps Jacob confused Bill Bryden with Bryson (author of "Notes from a small Isle" "A walk in the Woods" "Sunburned Country" e.t.c.).

Just a thought (unconditional apologies if I got it wrong.....;o).

Cheers,

-- Anonymous, August 21, 2002


This is interesting! Alright, here comes a lecture in sophistics!

1.A.) Jake attacks Bill for writing something that's (according to Jake) factually incorrect. But it turns that Bill copied it from a Sunderland site. He was only the messenger.

1.B) Also, I've read several reports in which Peter Reid was actually quoted saying that Flo was his number one choice, so what Bill wrote was definitely not blatantly untrue.

2) Jake continues by linking the fact that Bill posts something incorrect (which it wasn't) with the fact that he's American (which he is not). Both of Jake's assumptions were incorrect, but even if they were correct (post = inccorrect, Bill = American), it would still have been wrong to link them the way he did.

Conclusion: pretty much everything Jake said was proven wrong, which made him look quite silly, like Daffy Duck in that one cartoon where he volunteered as a soldier. He builds a wooden fort, from which he starts yelling all kinds of provoking things to the enemy. The enemy fires one shot, Daffy's fort burns down completely and there he stands, out in the open, harmless and vulnerable, looking like a fool.

Luckily, this is not a war with guns, but some nice banter with words. What people usually do if they see their entire defence collapse, is coming up with a new argumentation, acting. In the casse of Jake: some summer talks between Sunderland and Zlatan which no-one knows about except him.

Now, ladies and gentleman... (you may write this down in your notebooks): abandoning your argumentation because it was proven wrong, and then tactically 'retreat' to an entirely new argumentation without admitting that the first one does no longer stand, is a beuatiful example of a 'sophism'.

(The reason why I explain all this? I spent a few f%#@ing years in university learning this stuff, but so far it has been utterly useless... So please allow me :-) Whoever's interested in the theory of sophisms, carry on reading...)

You can recognize this type of sophism easily: someone brings forward an argumentation. The more solid he thinks it is, the more self- confident his tone of voice will be. When it turns out the argumentation folds like a house of cards (Bill did not write it himself but copied it, Bill is not an American and Peter Reid did say that Flo was his #1 choice.... AAAAARGGH, there goes my defence, S.O.S., S.O.S., what to do now???), he suddenly comes up with a new argument, acting as if that argument only is strong enough to still prove the initaial point. In most cases it's not, if only because it comes across as rather weak that the new argument was initially held back, whereas it was apparently very strong (for it now serves as the only argument). This raises the suspicion that coming up with the 'new' argument was an improvised panic move. Basically, the person is forced to leave his old 'fort' and retreat to a new one, but denies that this is the case.

This what we see happening to Jake, right here.

Any questions?

Thank you for you attention, dear students. You are dismissed.

-- Anonymous, August 21, 2002


Zlatan: "I want to stay at Ajax"

Looks like he's staying anyway...getting a bit tired if all the transfer rumores...

zlatan.tv

-- Anonymous, August 21, 2002


Hi Jake - we will as you say have to wait and see if this player can perform any better in the premier league than he has done up to now in the Eredivisie. Cannot see it personally, but hey miracles can happen and if they do I wish him well. Rumours about Flo were about on Sunderland and north-east websites at the back-end of last season, so I still stick with my thoughts on the chronological dates of events. If you wish to pry as to the reasons behind my knowledge, it is really simple in that the black- sheep of the family are supporters of the club and as such I have an interest in keeping up to date so that I can take the mickey out of them as much as possible. Yours Truly Billy the Kid (and he was American) ;-)

PS Can I get my Green Card now ?

-- Anonymous, August 20, 2002


Well, well Billyboy! What do you know about Mr Reids first choice for a striker? Ibrahimovic had discussions with Sunderland earlier this summer. I haven´t got any recollection of those talks being published anywhere, do you? I believe Peter Reid to be a quiet ordinary English manager(useless by other words), and he seems to be desperate to sign just anybody who will keep the fans quiet for a while. Personally I think that this trade will be a great opportunity for Zlatan Ibrahimovic to play games on a regular basis. We´ll have to wait and see what happens!

No offense Jim!

-- Anonymous, August 20, 2002


*LOL*

Way to go, Bill the Yank! :-P

-- Anonymous, August 20, 2002


My dear Jake - I would say that it is your goodself that should get his facts correct before going into print, viz:

(1) I am not American, never have been, nor ever will, although I will admitt to having worked for American corporations and taken vacations across the pond. A clue to my domicile is in the e-mail address. (2) The piece was cut and pasted accurately from the website - please check if you donot believe me. (3) The chronological dates in many publications show that Sunderland were interested in Flo prior to their interest in Zlatan. (4) The majority of football followers would agree that Sunderland are a crap team - if they were a good team how did they just avoid relegation last year.

Which only leaves me to believe that the only error I made was by preceeding Zlatan's name with Mr. If I was wrong in doing so, I hereby apologise and would be grateful to be informed on how you wish me to address him.

-- Anonymous, August 20, 2002


Yeah! You Yanks are so clueless about football... :-P

-- Anonymous, August 20, 2002

Bill Bryden! Get the information right before you write! When will you Americans learn.

-- Anonymous, August 20, 2002

Taken from a Sunderland web-site Ready to Go. Report dated 18 August 2002:

"Sunderland boss Peter Reid says he is desperate to sign a striker before the 31 August transfer deadline - but Rangers' Tore Andre Flo admits he is undecided over a move to The Stadium of Light."

Seems as though our Mr Zlatan isnt even first choice with a crap club like Sunderland.

-- Anonymous, August 20, 2002


My bet is that it's bollocks, tho. I'm pretty sure. I remember an article on the Premiership, and I believe that Sunderland was one of the teams that had tremendous trouble to (financially) keep up with the big ones. They've been spending money like madmen for a few years; now the party's over (this goes for many sides in the English Premiership). I don't believe they have nine million available for this at this moment. And if they have it, I can't believe they are willing to place a nine million euro bet on Zlatan, who only very recently started playing well for Ajax (in friendly's) and has had a very disappointing World Cup. They won't take the risk, is my bet.

But then again: Expressen is a major newspaper in Sweden, so who knows.

-- Anonymous, August 20, 2002


Ajax and Sunderland have now agreed on a €9 million transferfee for Zlatan. Now it's up to him... (expressen)

Read more at www.zlatan.tv

-- Anonymous, August 20, 2002


At least that idiotcoach got something right for a change.

-- Anonymous, August 14, 2002

"Only the sky's the limit for Zlatan" and "the most talented player I have ever seen".

Words from the Swedish coach Lars Lagerbäck.

Read the article at www.zlatan.tv

-- Anonymous, August 13, 2002


I don't see why he should go...... having 3 good strikers in your squad can only do you good. Ajax have Cl games coming up... Sunderland don't..... why should Koeman let him go? Doesn't make too much sense to me really.

-- Anonymous, August 06, 2002

English press say that Sunderland wants to loan Zlatan for a year. Do you think Ajax lets him go??

www.zlatan.tv

-- Anonymous, August 06, 2002


Zlatan in good shape will raise Ajax to a new level. I also believe that he will be a good rolemodel for other Ajax players.

-- Anonymous, August 04, 2002

Yeah,he was the worst striker in the squad last year,for sure.Is there anyone that disagrees with me?(i don't think so).But this year- until now-he is the best(proved it again yesterday)...

-- Anonymous, August 03, 2002

What'ya all sceptics think of Zlatan after his pre-season performances? I think he has finally settled and feel confident in his role on the field. Read a swedish interview with Zlatan where he said those things and that the WC gave him much experience and that especially Henrik Larsson was a big role model for him.

The thing with Zlatan is that when he is as old as Larsson is now, he should be (according to many people, including Larsson) many times better than Henrik. Doesn't sound to bad =)

What's the supporters view of him? Have heard a lot of things about him such as "being the worst striker in the ajax squad"... Are there still people who think this?

/mike

-- Anonymous, August 02, 2002


Yes, he's playing well indeed. He didn't play well against the amateur opponents (never seemed to score), but once Ajax started playing professional teams, he started playing better and better. He was the match winner in two games (Haarlem and Norwich) and scored the opener at Celtic. That's good; no question about that. I hope he'll keep it up. I still believe in him.

-- Anonymous, July 29, 2002

Zlatan seems to play rather good for the moment, I hope it lasts.

-- Anonymous, July 29, 2002

Yes Menno, I am finnish and I do read Swedish.

Yesterday the Roma president said that Zlatan will be loaned by Roma next season, but today Zlatan's manager Anders Carlsson denied this. No quotes from Zlatan though.

Read Zlatan.tv for more information.

-- Anonymous, July 11, 2002


Jakob, this is on Ajax Netwerk.to right now (literal translation):

"The manager of Zlatan Ibrahimovic is quoted in Swedish newspaper Expressen saying that the chance of Zlatan moving to AS Roma is extremely small. The transfer fee Ajax demands (a little bit more than what they paid for Zlatan last season) is too high for the Italians. Roma's interest is not too serious anymore. Zlatan's manager is not in favour of a transfer anyway, for sportive reasons. At AS Roma, Zlatan would hardly stand a chance to win a spot in the line-up. According to his manager, a move would be bad for Zlatan's career."

Needless to say that I fully agree with this manager.

Maybe some of our Swedish visitors read the full Expressen article. What was in it? Who is this manager dude? Any quotes from Zlatan himself? Jakob, do you read Swedish (you're Finnish, right?)?

-- Anonymous, July 10, 2002


Zlatan staying or going?

Now rumores go that Roma are hireing Zlatan for the next season. (www.zlatan.tv)

-- Anonymous, July 10, 2002


Face-lift!

Today, June 24, www.zlatan.tv got a little face-lift. Hope you like it and feel free to mail me if you have suggestions or any comments. Enjoy!

Jakob - zlatan.tv

-- Anonymous, June 24, 2002


MilkMan is the man!!!I tottaly agree...Zlatan IS NOT a target player...Even a fucking retard can see this...Is it so difficult for coaches to see what is a player's natural position???I just don't get it...Zlatan should have a FREE role in every team,as the man behind the striker(s)...Something like Rivaldo...I'm not trying to act like i know more things than a football coach...But i believe it is obvious...Zlatan needs FREEDOM of movement,and he doesn't have the INSTICT of a pure striker...Period!

PS:A perfect scenario would be Zlatan staying at Ajax and play as the man behind Mido AND Machlas(this of course would bring many changes to the whole squad)...

-- Anonymous, June 17, 2002


Zlatan will get there.

From all the reports and interviews with fellow Swedish players in the World Cup, Zlatan is an inspiration to football.

If you fancied Anders Svensson's "helicopter" in the extra time against Senegal, this is what Svensson said when asked how he comes up with his moves:

"Ah, it just happens by itself. Nothing that's planned or anything. But I've never regarded myself as a dribbler - when you see Zlatan at training, that's when you realize what can be done with a ball. He's an absolute inspiration, for us all in the team."

And Johan Mjallby, the Swedish captain during the WC, said "I've always wanted to be more of a technical player who can make fool of people on the pitch. Like Zlatan. But I don't have those qualities..."

The only problem Zlatan has had is the football of today. Sweden has always been about dead boring strategy and shit, since we don't have the qualities to play offensive football. In these latest years there's has been a drastic change to that and most players coming up now are playing a completely different football.

In the WC, these two retards at the bench (Lars Lagerback and Tommy Soderberg) are traditional Swedish coaches and don't have the balls to make drastic changes - but rather see whatever results there are as the outcome of a good foundation and organisation. Fair enough. But as soon as Zlatan ends up with a coach that have the guts to fully use a 'wild card' in his side - he will take it.

In Ajax, Zlatan has been put in the number 9 shirt and is expected to be the side's target player.

Is Zlatan a target player?

Hardly. I sincerely hope that he doesn't end up in AS Roma or any other big club - he needs a club where he gets to play and make a stand. I so hope the speculations of Real Betis making an effort of getting him to their roster are put into reality - that would be a perfect team for our beloved Zlatan. A team where he could be able to fully play -his- game and still develop.

That's it for me. Take care.

-- Anonymous, June 17, 2002


Still, he created more in 15 minutes than, Eredivisie star Allbäck did in 70. But yes, he should have passed tha ball to Larsson.

-- Anonymous, June 16, 2002

Puzzles me how people thought Zlatan had a good game - after his dribble he should have passed to an unmarked Laarson in the middle but chose to be selfish, he completely missed the ball when offered an open goal from a brilliant whipped in cross and then in extra time was slow to a brilliant chance. I emphasise the word brilliant as the English comentators quoted him as calling himself brilliant and then after the missed second chance took the p*** out of him for calling himself that. I came away with the conclusion that yet again he failed to be effective.

-- Anonymous, June 16, 2002

Just some info on Senegal. Senegal were in the same qualifying group as Morocco, Egypt and Algeria , no one gave them a prayer. Senegal only lost once in the qualifying phase to Egypt, Mido scoring the winning goal! Then they made it to the Final of the African Nations cup, beating teams like Nigeria with 10 men and playing attacking football. Now they've reached the quater finals of the world cup beating teams like France and Sweden, and playing some very attractive football in the process. Did anyone see their goal against Denmark?

Yes their tough, but so are teams like Ireland, Sweden, England and Denmark.

For me Senegal have been the highlight of this WC

-- Anonymous, June 16, 2002


Senegal plays defensive football???Are we talking about the same Senegal???Cause as far as i know(from people's opinions,press e.t.c.),the three teams that play most offensively in this W.C. are Brazil,Costa Rica and Senegal...Yeah they defend hard,but no harder than Germany,Italy e.t.c...And nobody talks about how hard THOSE teams play...And don't forget,that Zlatan almost killed Coly to win the ball,then dribble his next opponent and shoot.About diving:The first one was a penalty,we saw it clearly.The other ones were dives...People like Senegal because they are a small team,that managed to go through two rounds...But they did it,because they combine personal skills with pace,accuracy AND fancy playing...Not because they are lucky,or play defensively or something...

PS:Yeah great dribble and shot by the Swedish player...He deserved to see his shot hit the net...But don't forget how many times Diouf(or others) went through 3-4 defenders(or even more,i can't remember...LOL),and missed...

-- Anonymous, June 16, 2002


"A shit World Cup"

Sure, but no one really expected him to play very much. He was a black horse in the Swedish squad, not a starter.

I can't say I would be surprised if an Italian side would buy him, and it might even be good for him. A new start.

Zlatan was good in todays game. He created chance and was very close to scoring. Too bad Sweden lost though, as i think they would have had a good chance to reaching far in the WC. But no they are gone...well, that's life.

-- Anonymous, June 16, 2002


So, exit Sweden, exit Zlatan...

I think it's a shame. I supported Sweden. The whole world seems to have tremendous sympathy for Senegal, but make no mistake: those guys play rather defensives football, they make a lot of fouls and against Sweden a striker went for a dive at least three times. We would all hate Argentina, Portugal or Germany for it. I'm not that fond of Senegal at all; and I would have loved to see Svensson's brilliant effort go in, instead of hitting the post.

In the mean time, it's a fair conclusion that this World Cup has been a disaster for Zlatan. If my calculations are correct, he's not even played half a game in total. He had one good move, but did not have the time to show anything really outstanding.

The chance of a Serie A side paying over 10 million euros for him was already nil. Now, the chance is minus 10%. In other words: there's no way that a big southern European club will buy him. Forget it. He's had a shit season, he's had a shit World Cup, his coach at Ajax thinks he's not good enough for the starting eleven and his Sweden coach thinks the same thing.

The funny thing is: Zlatan himself is very realistic about it. He's never blamed anyone for anything. The only thing he said is that he feels very sad about the fact that a small part of the Ajax crowd boo and whistle at him. But he's never criticized Ajax foe being unfair or whatever, and he's never criticized Koeman for doing him wrong. Why? Zlatan has been there himself and he knows how many chances he's had, how many scoring chances he's missed and how much patience everyone has had with him. The only people who've said that kind of thing are some folks from the Swedish F.A. and some Swedish visitors to this forum.

Zlatan himself, however, is a smart kid. He knows there's only one problem: his own performances. If his fans were as realistic as the guy himself, it would be a lot easier to have a reasonable discussion about it.

-- Anonymous, June 16, 2002


The Swedish coaches thinks that Zlatan might get more time on the pitch against Senegal...

...read the whole article at WWW.ZLATAN.TV

-- Anonymous, June 15, 2002


Zlatan? will you marrie me?

-- Anonymous, June 14, 2002

I agree with Jakob. I think they will use Zlatan in the next game, I certainly hope so, cause he will take any chance he gets to aquire a place in the starting line-up. If Larsson and Allback hadn't suceeded so well in the qualifications to the World Cup, Zaltan would have played for sure.

-- Anonymous, June 03, 2002

Nice article on Zlatan...

-- Anonymous, June 03, 2002

What is better for Ajax?Zlatan playing more in the WC and impressing scouts,or not play and stay in Amsterdam???Just think about it...

-- Anonymous, June 02, 2002

I don't think the Swedish coaches see Zlatan as their number 4 striker. Perhaps they didn't think he was needed today (which I can not understand). A.Andersson will probably play right winger (hopefully) next game and Zlatan should come in later in the game.

-- Anonymous, June 02, 2002

From one my previous posts: "...as if Ajax and the crows are to blame..."

Interesting type-o. Should be 'crowd', of course.

-- Anonymous, June 02, 2002


In today's England vs Sweden game, Larsson and Allbäck were in the starting eleven. Later on, Andersson was brought on as a striker. Seems like Zlatan is #4 in the hierarchy. Not a very good position in the squad to impress scouts from Italy and Spain, I suppose.

-- Anonymous, June 02, 2002

F. Otsen wrote: "So I think Menno, looking at your all-time worst Ajax line up: Zlatan Ibrahimovic can have a spot there."

Hey - mind your language. That's blasphemy. Don't get me wrong: I think Zlatan has failed and I am very annoyed by all the Swedish dudes acting as if Ajax and the crows are to blame - and not Zlatan. However, I've seen him in training, I've seen his pieve of magic against Liverpool, I've seen the way he sent Van der Vaart in his way to the 0-2 in De Kuip, I've seen his superb goals against Fortuna and Sparta and I've been impressed by numerous little things he did.

There's absolutely no way that he'll ever replace Gabrich or Stapleton in my all-time shittiest Ajax line-up. Absolutely no way. Don't ever compare Zlatan to those dudes.

-- Anonymous, May 31, 2002


Zlatan is gone, that's for sure now. He was the best on the trainingfield, but in the game Maclas or Mido were the guys who scored. Zlatan has a good dribble but he is not effectice. And that is what Ajax is looking for. They have already creative players that can make the game, like Van der Vaart. The striker at Ajax has to do one thing: SCORE. Mido and Machlas understand that. Zlatan doesn't.

Maybe he becomes a great player in Italy, England or Spain. But i don't think so. A good striker has a sort of instinct and Zlatan doesn't have that! A Dutch journalist wrote once that Zlatan had "First post fear". He didn't dare to fire the ball directly into the goal, always an action before shooting.

Machlas and Mido are made for eachother so it seems. Machlas is working very very hard for Mido.

So I think Menno, looking at your all-time worst Ajax line up: Zlatan Ibrahimovic can have a spot there.

I hope that Leo can sell him for a good price, because Zlatan is finished at Ajax.

-- Anonymous, May 31, 2002


imagine the combination of Zlatan and mido or Zlatan and Machlas...they can cause havoc anywhere!!! anyway if the guy wants to leave then let him

thanks for the "Golden Goal"!

is Cedric Van der Gun in good form? he can replace Zlatans spot right?

-- Anonymous, May 30, 2002


Zlatan WANTS to leave...It is different than "WILL leave"...Plus,other clubs are INTERESTED...This doesn't mean they will pay so much money for him...Ajax needs a tall striker???Mido and Machlas are dwarves?Or Zlatan is a better header than those too (LOL)???Every team needs strikers that can score...Zlatan isn't a good scorer...Maybe he's not even a striker...He is a player with imagination and great skills though...

-- Anonymous, May 30, 2002

THIS JUST POSTED ON ONEFOOTBALL.COM:

Ibrahimovic accepts inevitable Ajax exit

Thursday 30th May 2002

Sweden forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic accepted on Thursday that he will not play for Ajax again after the Amsterdam giants put him on the transfer-list.

"Now I want to go to a club where I get to play. I don't feel right sitting on the bench all the time," said the Roma and Barcelona target, who added that he had known his short spell in the Netherlands was coming to an end for several months.

"I have no comment about new clubs. We'll see what happens. But I'm not worried, there are solutions for everything," he said.

"The manager Ronald Koeman has told me I don't fit in the team with the No 9 shirt. Koeman wants a targetman and I'm not suitable."

Ibrahimovic was sold by Malmo FF last year for a record sum in Sweden of around £5 million. The transfer-fee was also the highest ever paid by a Dutch club.

Reaction to the development in the Sweden camp has been critical of Ajax. "You can't just throw away a great talent like that," said FA director Bengt Madsen. "He needs a club who believe in him. I think it is a very strange way for Ajax to act.

"When Ajax bought Zlatan they said many beautiful things about him. They said he was a fantastic talent who would get the time he needed to make progress. Now it emerges that this was nonsense.

"What Zlatan needs now is to go to a club who believe in him. He won't get knocked down by this, but it's important that he goes to a club who really want him."

Roma may just be that club, as last week president Franco Sensi revealed that talks with the 20-year-old had already begun

-- Anonymous, May 30, 2002


I don't agree with you Menno. It looks like Zlatan wants to leave now too; "I want to go to a club where I can play. It's not good for me to sit on the bench" I know the clubs don't have that much money right now (also Barcelona interested now) but I would still bet my last money on that he won't be in Ajax next season. We'll just have to wait and see...

-- Anonymous, May 30, 2002

Jakob wrote: "Now Mido is staying and Zlatan probably leaving. I think it's the best for both of them."

My personal prediction? Zlatan will still be in Amsterdam next season.

The reason why I think that, is because the entire Serie A (Italy), the entire Primera División (Spain; except for Real Madrid) and the entire Premiership (England; except for Man-U and Arsenal) are in deeeeeep financial shit. They're all trying to dump some players (but no-one is interested, because they all try to dump players).

Zlatan moved to Ajax for 9 million euros and he signed a contract for four years or so. Which means he will cost at least 10 million euros, and the simple plain fact is that no Italian club can afford that kind of money. They simply don't have it, and they're all fighting to survive. Only a few clubs (Man-U, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid) really have the money for such a major transfer, and there's no way in the WORLD that they'll go for a 20 year-old kid who's just had a shit year at Ajax. Too much of a risk.

The transfer market is stone-dead at the moment. A few years ago, there would have been a dozen of lucrative offers for players such as Chivu, Mido (Ajax), Van Bommel, Hofland (PSV), Emerton and Kalou (Feyenoord). Now, there's hardly any serious offers whatsoever.

The European giants ran out of money. Which is actually an excellent development and a really good thing for a club like Ajax. But Zlatan is stuck here - I betcha.

-- Anonymous, May 29, 2002


Ajax wins the league this season and they are going to the Champions League and looking at the other european clubs, they've got lots of fire power! stacking superstar players is their game especially Real Madrid, ManU, Barca, Milan, etc. what i mean is that having 3 good strikers is not that bad and who knows 1 might get injured.

European games is tough and Ajax is going to have a busy schedule with the champions league and all...to be honest they need more strength and depth to WIN the Champions League and Zlatan can help and i hope they can grab Sikora from Vitesse.

I hope Zlatan will do good this coming World Cup and improve his game more so that Ajax will get a hold on him afterall Ajax needs a tall striker.

-- Anonymous, May 29, 2002


Let's just say that Mido had a better year than Zlatan. Not because he got more time on the pitch, but because he made more of the time.

Now Mido is staying and Zlatan probably leaving. I think it's the best for both of them.

Follow the situaton at WWW.ZLATAN.TV

-- Anonymous, May 29, 2002


"Zlatan may have participated in more games than Mido, but Mido has played way more FULL games. I mean, only 5 full games for Zlatan?"

In fact, Zlatan played the full 90 minutes 6 times. Mido played the full 90 minutes 11 times. However, you should note that Mido played 7 out of his 11 full games after he started scoring more than one goal per game on average. Before Mido started making the difference in spectacular style, Zlatan had played 5 full games; Mido 4.

I've got nothing special to do, so I made some more calculations (why not?)

In total, Mido played 1742 minutes in Ajax-1 this season. Zlatan played 1734 minutes. Almost exactly as much playing time.

Mido was in the starting line-up 18 times. Zlatan 17 times.

Zlatan was brought on as a substitute 17 times. Mido 15 times. As a substitute, they sometimes got to play for only a few minutes. It would be unfair to count that as a 'game'.

Let's assume this: more than 60 minutes in one game counts as a 'game'. 30 to 60 minutes in one game counts as a 'substantial participation'. Games in which the player got to play less than 30 minutes, do not count.

Okay, here we go...

Mido got to play 17 'games' (= more than 60 mins), in 5 games he had 'substantial participation' (= 30 to 60 mins). Nine games do not count.

Zlatan got to play 14 'games' (= more than 60 mins), in 9 games he had 'substantial' participation. Ten games do not count.

Conclusion: a slight advantage for Mido, but once again we have to note that he got to play most of his 'games' (60+ mins) when he was already scoring. In the time both of them were struggling and both of them failed to score, Zlatan was granted significantly more substantial playing time.

Finally: out of the 18 times Mido was in the starting line-up, he played the full game 11 times. One time he had to be replaced due to an injury, one time he got sent off and one time he was replaced as the 'Hero Of The Day' to receive an ovation. Only four times, he was actually replaced for 'normal' reasons (tactics, bad game, no goals etc.).

Out of the 17 times Zlatan was in the starting line-up, he played the full game 6 times. He got replaced 11 times and this never happened for a 'special' reason (injury, ovation, sent off), but always for 'normal' reasons (tactics, bad game, no goals etc.).

Most of Mido's full games were not a matter of 'giving him a chance' because he was already proving himself. But even if you don't keep that in mind, Zlatan got almost exactly as many reasonable chances to prove himself. The fact that he got replaced relatively often, indicates that he simply didn't convince. Unless, of course, you refuse to see that.

-- Anonymous, May 29, 2002


"as Glenn Hoddle would have called it, a Stevie Wonder Situation"

Hey! That's infringement on Ben Bell's copyrights! See ya in court, Glenn! ;-)

-- Anonymous, May 29, 2002


Zlatan may have participated in more games than Mido, but Mido has played way more FULL games. I mean, only 5 full games for Zlatan? Doesn't seem like that much to me.

"I really want to show what a can do, but already when I get the ball the audience starts to whistle and I'm not used to that." - Zlatan

-- Anonymous, May 29, 2002


You make Ajax sound very nice, Menno. :) "They said that he could go" or "put him on the transferlist". Isn't that kind of the same. Koeman said that Mido is his first choice striker and that they are openfor bids on Zlatan and that he probably will be the striker to leave. But however, I don't think Ajax has done anything wrong. Zlatan got lots of chances but couldn't score. Mido started scoring and of course he should play from start then. If Zlatan doesn't fit in to Ajax' and Koeman's system I think it is better for him to switch clubs. It's never good for a young kid to sit on the bench.

-- Anonymous, May 29, 2002

In the main I dont believe it is, as Glenn Hoddle would have called it, a Stevie Wonder Situation, but one where the majority of the regular visitors you mention have not even been in the ground to see his performances. I doubt that Zlatan would move any further up the pecking order at clubs like Roma or Juventus. If he is going to be the third choice striker behind Mido & Nikos then what hope is there for him at these clubs with the class of strikers they have already on their books. As such I donot think a move would be in his best interests. He is certainly, as has been said many times in this thread, one for the future, and I for one hopes his best days are spent at Ajax.

-- Anonymous, May 29, 2002

Some of you guys can't get enough of it, can you...?

Once again: Ajax has NOT given Zlatan bad treatment. He's had more playing time and chances to prove himself than Mido. But Mido started scoring like a madman, so Koeman chose for him. Zlatan has *always* been treated with respect. He's just not the first choice at this moment. What's so disgraceful about that, for Christ's sake?? Ajax has three central forwards. Only one can play. So, the one scoring the goals plays - the other two are on the bench. Simple as that. What's wrong with in putting a 20 year-old kid on the bench. They kept giving him the chances to play anyway. He's played in 33 games this season, which is two more than Mido!

You really don't have a clue, honestly. Ajax didn't even put him "on the transfer list". All they've said is that (if he's unhappy with the situation) he can go if he wants to, but that he's absolutely welcome to stay. They just cannot guarantee him that he will start as the number one striker next season (which he did this season).

Some of the regular visitors to this thread are as blind as Stevie Wonder, I must say. Cut the crap and don't act as if Ajax is destroying a superstar. He's just a kid and he's played 33 games in Ajax-1, for God's sake.

-- Anonymous, May 29, 2002


It is now confirmed that Zlatan has been transfer listed. I can´t say I´m sorry. I think AJAX treatment of Zlatan has been really bad. "We will give him lots of time to develope" Yeah right... So, I hope he goes to a club that appreciate and use his talent. I think this is one of the bigger mistakes AJAX has ever made. But, as said, it will only come back to them. You NEVER want Zlatan in the opponents team...

-- Anonymous, May 29, 2002

A nice article from Soccernet on Zlatan:

http://worldcup.espnsoccernet.com/story?id=212382&lang=en

Enjoy!

-loki

-- Anonymous, May 28, 2002


I have a question Menno...Koeman said : 1.Mido,2.Machlas,3.Zlatan...He also said he has too many strikers in the team...Plus,that it isn't 100% sure that Zlatan would leave,and that he is welcome to stay...Well?!?!?!?!?Any comments!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?! (I hope i was wrong in something of the above.Cuz if Koeman DID say those things,it would be good to reduce the amount of alcohol in his blood... :-DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD )

-- Anonymous, May 25, 2002

X3M is almost right, but not entirely...

Koeman said (on AT5 TV) that Mido is obviously the number one for next season. Machlas is second and Zlatan is third. He added that this can always change. He admitted that Ajax is some club showed interest for Zlatan, Ajax would not automatically say 'no'. However: "He doesn't *have* to go. He's welcome to stay."

Also, it's slowly starting to annoy me to read over and over again how some of you blame Ajax and the crowd for Zlatan's poor season. That's definitely wrong. Zlatan started the season as the first man and remained in the team for a *long* time, although he hardly scored and did not play well.

Then he lost his spot, but Adriaanse was fired. Koeman, once again, said that Zlatan was his first man. So Zlatan lost his spot, but he got another chance as the striker of choice. He never scored. Then, all of a sudden, Mido started scoring like a madman. What else can a coach do than allowing him to score ten goals in nine games?

A small part of the fans turned against Zlatan after the winter break, that's right, and I hated them for it. But at the start of the season, Zlatan was treated like a king.

Blaming the club and the crowd, but not Zlatan himself, is a very BLIND approach of what has happened.

-- Anonymous, May 24, 2002


It's pretty obvious that he's leaving after the WC, he wants more playtime and Koeman put him and Machlas on the transferlist. I hope you have enjoyed watching him... the next time you'll see him will probably be in the opponents team. I hope Zlatan goes to a club where both the management and fans have complete faith in him. Ciao, adios and goodbye.

-- Anonymous, May 23, 2002

In todays Expressen (Swedish paper): -Did you feel a greater support from Adriaanse than Koeman? Zlatan: -Sometimes it feels like that.

It also says: Zlatans agent has been in contact with Roma, and AJAX wants around 16,000,000$. Lazio and Atletico Madris is also in the hunt.

-Do you think you will be sold before the WC? Zlatan: -I doubt it, but you never know.

-Do you think you will switch club directly after the WC? Zlatan: -No comments.

Zlatan knows more than he´s saying...

-- Anonymous, May 22, 2002


I just want to say that you are best Zlatan, and i love you.... youré the best !!! :) / Elsi Moutran, Märsta, Stockholm, Sweden...

-- Anonymous, May 19, 2002

Once again Zlatan did great in a national team game. I can't say that I understand why he hasn't played more in Ajax this season. He was one of the best Swedish players in yesterdays match against Paraguay. Looks like his form is good for the coming WC.

www.zlatan.tv

-- Anonymous, May 18, 2002


Well,if it so essential for the team to get rid of one of the strikers,i dunno who will leave.According to each player's offer this year,Machlas is among the ones that shouldn't leave(even though i think he will...)...But i think that every team needs three great strikers.What if the one of them will sit on the bench sometimes??? EVERY coach in the world would LOVE to have this problem of choice... PS:And if Machlas leaves,i hope that Ajax fans(including me) will never say during the match "If only Nikos would enter the field"...Cuz if this thing happens,it is a bad sign..............

-- Anonymous, May 13, 2002

No doubt about it, Zlatan is THE player for ajax, just wait it's just his first season in amsterdam, I'm a big fan of him and I go to every game of ajax and I hope it every time when Zlatan playes, that he showes what he can and make a few goals, but wait till next season!!! and machlas is the one who's going to leave...

-- Anonymous, May 13, 2002

Translated from swedish:

Zlatan going to Roma? Zlatan Ibrahimovic may be leaving Ajax to play in the italian team Roma. According to the newspaper Kvällsposten, Roma is about to give a bid of 10 million Euro for the swedish forward. - I know that there are clubs that are interested, from Italy and Spain among others, says Zlatan to the newspaper. The coach Ronald Koeman has said erlier that he doesn't have room for three forwards in the team and that one may have to leave. - He (Ronald Koeman) has told me that he's happy with my quality as a player and that I have a higher class than my forwardcompetitors Mido and Machlas. But he has also told me that he really thinks that a player who has the no. 9 in Ajax should be a pure target player. I might not fit into his gamemodel, says Zlatan.

http://www.aftonbladet.se/vss/telegram/0,1082,57406428_537__,00.html

-- Anonymous, May 10, 2002


A perfect example of a star sickness. We don't Cruijff, Rijkaard or Van Basten, who care for Ajax in their hearts, just type his telephone number and say: "Hello, Zlatan. It's Johann Cruijff speaking with you. (Just for example) You think very much of yourself, lad. Work hard and it will come for you." If it won't affect him, nothing would...

-- Anonymous, May 06, 2002

I just read that Zlatan has made the Sweden World Cup Squad. I am very shocked about this. Anyway I say Congrats to him and his supporters. Now stick a couple of goals in against NEC would be a nice tonic I think.

-- Anonymous, May 03, 2002

Suppose the lot of you read what Carew said, that Zlatan should stop his fancy unnecessary dribbles, that Carew used to do them when he was 14-15, before he realised it paid off better to go straight for the goal...

and Zlatan said, "What Carew can do with a football, I do with an orange."

Sweet!

-- Anonymous, April 19, 2002


Once again the rumores about Zlatan leaving Ajax for Roma are up. Capello described Zlatan as "a new van Basten" and was upset about Roma not buying him earlier. Please Ajax, don't sell Zlatan yet. You'll get the same or maybe more money for him in a couple of years and he will develop in Ajax. Hopefully he will succeed and be the striker Ajax is looking for. But he won't get enough time on the pitch in, for example Roma. Not at this age, competing with players like Montella. Not yet. Stay in Ajax for some years. Next year Ajax will play the Champions League against all the other big clubs in Europe.

-- Anonymous, April 19, 2002

Zlatan did well as Sweden played a quite boring 0-0 match against Norway. He only got 15 minutes on the pitch but did everything right. Seems to be in good form right now.

www.zlatan.tv

-- Anonymous, April 17, 2002


Hehehe!Glad to see Menno became a fan of the 4-4-2... ;-) I thought that the only combination that would work under this system was Machlas-Mido...But now i am sure that Mido-Zlatan works,too...And i am 99% sure that if Machlas and Zlatan had to play together in this system,they would kick ass too.As i saw,Zlatan is more unselfish now...So he can cooperate with the other two strikers for sure.

-- Anonymous, April 15, 2002

Here's what Wybren de Boer (football reporter for de Volkskrant newspaper) had to say about Zlatan, this morning:

"However, Ajax really grabbed Sparta by the throat when Zlatan Ibrahimovic entered the pitch. He replaced Machlas in the 61st minute. The Swede, who struggled in recent months and was recently used as a left winger by coach Ronald Koeman, brought pace and intelligence into Ajax front line. With Mido, Zlatan formed a superb duo, which the Rotterdam defense could not stop for one single moment.

Four minutes after he was subbed in, Zlatan provided his attacking partner with the assist for second goal. Six minutes later, another Swedish-Egyptian combination led to 0-3 (Mido), after which the substitute completed his performance with a short solo, ending with a furious shot: 0-4. Between goals, he humiliated Van der Meer and Marilia with his body movements and backward thru-passes. Relieved that the diamond finally started to shine, the F-Side yelled: "Zlatan is released - olé olé."

There you go :-)

Excellent performance. The Mido-Zlatan combination really seemed to work. I suggest we continue to play in this 4-4-2 formation, at least as long as Wamberto's still suspended.

-- Anonymous, April 15, 2002


Woohoo, 30 minutes of play time, 2 assists, 1 goal! Let's hope this is the turning point for Zlatan, the same turning point Mido had a few weeks ago. Anyway, those two seem to work great in a 4-4-2 formation, and if one of them is having a bad day, just put in the supsersub Machlas. Seems like a great plan, at least to me. :-)

-- Anonymous, April 14, 2002

Isn't the guy 20? At least he was born 1981... ;)

-- Anonymous, April 09, 2002

Definitely. A European Championship or World Cup tournament is a major experience for a young player. Zlatan has the talent and he will also learn a lot. I hope he'll get selected.

I also hope he'll stay with Ajax. There are some rumors that he'll leave, which would be a damn shame, cos his career at Ajax hasn't even started yet. He's only 19 and he still has a lot to learn and win with Ajax. This is the best club for him right now, and I hope he'll understand. If he moves to Italy or Spain now, he'll find himself on the bench and (unlike with Ajax) he won't get the chance to ever show what he's capable of.

I still have a lot of faith in him. He'll be great. And he'll get the chance at Ajax to be greater than he could be in any other team right now.

Anyway - I don't think these departure rumors are true. He has a contract for a few more years at Ajax and he's making a *lot* of money, so his transfer fee will be enormous. Higher than what any club will be willing to pay for him at this point, I think.

-- Anonymous, April 09, 2002


I think he already has a place in the Swedish World Cup team. Otherwise he wouldn't be in the squad for this game.

-- Anonymous, April 09, 2002

Zlatan selected for the swedish national team in the match against Norway! It will be a very important match for Zlatan, it may be his ticket to the world cup. He's worth a place in the swedish world cup team, don't you think?

/Johan

http://www.zlatan.nu

-- Anonymous, April 09, 2002


When you see Zlatan play like this it ís hard to understand that he has been spending most of the time in Ajax on the bench. He was great as he entered in the second half. The Swedish team was a lot better with Zlatan. Good passes nad very nice dribbles. He has to get more time on the pitch in Ajax now.

www.zlatan.tv

-- Anonymous, March 27, 2002


It even happens in Sweden.

-- Anonymous, March 27, 2002

Oh what emotion this Zlatan brings out in us all. We should remember events like September 11 which brings discussions over a footballer into perspective. However going against all that I have just said Piper, there was another error in one of your statements - Hooligans in Holland are not the only ones to arrange meetings by the internet - this also happens in the UK.

-- Anonymous, March 27, 2002

Whatever.

I don't feel like writing another long post in which I actually try to explain something. Pearls before swine anyway, in a discussion with you. I think I'll go and set up another hooligan fight thru the internet now. Cos that's what Dutchies do, after all.

By the way folks, this Zlatan guy... Pretty talented player, I must say... He's young, but I think he can become a good one. I like him! :-)

-- Anonymous, March 27, 2002


Ok, guys! Stop arguing now! If that's what you're going to do please make a new forum for it.

Today focus on Zlatan's national team game instead. Read all about it at www.zlatan.tv Also a new chronicle!

-- Anonymous, March 27, 2002


"I'll forgive you for the amazingly ignorant remark about those huge numbers of hooligans from Holland" I haven´t asked for your forgiveness! I meant exactly what I said. You are the only country in europe that still plan meetings over the internet for fights. You're much worse than England and Germany.

-- Anonymous, March 27, 2002

Strange reply. Don't feel like writing a substantial post now you know your first one didn't make sense. Kinda weak.

I'm not a sports journalist, by the way, but a music journalist. I don't write about football (except for Ajax USA), but at work I have the telex service and international news paysites to my availability, as well as the stuff from international Press Agencies. Also, I know a handful of people at Ajax. That's what I mean with "being closer to the source".

However, the main reason why I know more about Zlatan at Ajax than you (not about Zlatan in Sweden; I know nothing about that) is that I'm a season ticket holder and a visitor of every Ajax away game.

I can understand you're a fan of Zlatan, but really: from such a distance, you can't possibly judge on what's happening over here.

I'll forgive you for the amazingly ignorant remark about those huge numbers of hooligans from Holland. That was probably a desperate remark from someone knowing he's losing a discussion.

-- Anonymous, March 27, 2002


Ahaaa, so you´re a journalist? That explains it all... *sighs*

-- Anonymous, March 27, 2002

"Hey, I get inside reports from Amsterdam after every game!"

Exactly: reports. I'm there, at every game: home, away, domestic cup, European Cup - everything. From Rotterdam to Heerenveen and from Glasgow to Copenhagen, I was there. Zlatan was booed at only a few times, after he'd screwed up a unique possibility in a very aloof way. It doesn't happen all the time, and it's just a small group.

"I have followed Zlatan in his whole career, and I know exactly what kind of a player he is."

But not what he's doing over here, and that's all I'm intersted in. He's a major talent and I'm a big fan of his, but if his transfer to Ajax taught us one thing, it would be that Zlatan still has a lot to learn. He was the first choice for both Co Adriaanse and Ronald Koeman, but he left them no choice than to give someone else a chance.

"And I didn´t say that you were the worst just because of the booing, it´s also because you have the most hooligans in Europe."

That's bollocks - and you know it. Absolute nonsense. And that too, is something you really don't have a clue about if you don't live here.

"Zlatan is saying what he is saying, but I think you will hear what he REALLY thinks of dutch football when he moves to Milan (or some other club)."

Who knows? (answer to that question: not you - and not me).

"Dont talk when you don´t know what you are talking about."

I do know what I'm talking about. I've seen every fucking time that guy touched the ball with my own eyes, including a handful of training sessions (he's great there, by the way).

If you read through this thread, you'll see that I'm kind of a Zlatan fan. If you don't believe it, read THIS. I have faith in him and I know he'll be great. But over here, he's really had a million chances, which he didn't grab, and everyone at Ajax is being extremely patient with him.

You definitely don't get to read and see more of what Zlatan's got to say than I do, brother. I'm an Ajax season ticket holder, a Dutchman and a journalist - so I can guarantee you I'm closer to the source than you are.

-- Anonymous, March 26, 2002


Dear Piper

I think that you didn't understood our friend Menno. What he was saying is that the supporters have every right to boo a player who is performing much lower than he was expected to. It is much more so if the coach says that Zlatan is not giving enough in training (which is outright wrong). Such things do not happen only in Holland.

As for the Dutch fans, surely they have been behaving much better than other fans recently, for example Italian fans.

As for Milan, be careful how to mention that club with us Ajax fans because if it were not for our ACADEMY the history of that club would be much less shiny !!!

-- Anonymous, March 26, 2002


I don´t have a clue??? Hey, I get inside reports from Amsterdam after every game! I have followed Zlatan in his whole career, and I know exactly what kind of a player he is. I know exactly what he said in the Dutch media. And I didn´t say that you were the worst just because of the booing, it´s also because you have the most hooligans in Europe. Zlatan is saying what he is saying, but I think you will hear what he REALLY thinks of dutch football when he moves to Milan (or some other club).

Dont talk when you don´t know what you are talking about.

-- Anonymous, March 26, 2002


Piper: Zlatan did well in yesterday's game at PSV - and immediately received appreciation from the section of Ajax fans. Don't you think there might have been some reason for their earlier criticism as well?

Even though I agree with the general message of your post, I really have to add that you've only heard about all this through the media - and that you, therefore, simply don't have a clue.

You don't know how bad the booing is, you don't know how often it's happened and how many people actually do it. You don't know what Zlatan's reaction in the Dutch media was (he said he could understand it and admitted that he's been walking around with the wrong attitude for a while). You don't know how well or badly he's played. You really don't know a thing. You have no idea whatsoever.

Basically, you don't know whom you're protecting and you don't know whom you're attacking. If you have so little knowledge about the matter, I would be a bit more reluctant in saying things such as: "All Dutch football fans stink".

Zlatan definitely wouldn't agree on that one.

-- Anonymous, March 25, 2002


I think the Dutch football fans stink. I mean really, how can you boo at Zlatan when he gets on the pitch in the second half? Does anyone really think that he will help Ajax more then? I can´t understand how they are thinking. I truly hope that he´ll be sold to another club that appreciate him, and don´t judge him so quickly.

-- Anonymous, March 25, 2002

Too bad the supporters of Ajax don't give him the time to develop. The guy is only 20 and even the Dutch press is making jokes about him, saying that he is a waste of money. But hey, didn't they say that when PSV bought Van Nistelrooy from Heerenveen? And, especially for Jakob, didn't they say that about Bergdølmo last season, while the guy is now one of the best central defenders of the Eredivisie...!

I still believe in Zlatan. Even more now I know that Bergdølmo also believes in him...

-- Anonymous, March 19, 2002


Bergdölmo in an interview with a Norwegian newspaper: "During training Zlatan is the best player in the world. He does things no one else can do"

How come he doesn't do them when he gets the chance to play for Ajax?

Bergdölmo also said: "Give him some time and he'll become an unbelievably good footballplayer". We can only wait I guess...

-- Anonymous, March 19, 2002


Yeah i agree on this.Talking about how expensive is someone,is tottaly unfair for the player.Ajax offered those money.Zlatan was supposed to say:"Oh sorry,i'm not worth all that money.Give me less"???I don't think so...Yes,Ajax fans expected more from him.But not because of the money,but because of the things they learned about him.His talent and skills. PS:And by the way,this thing about money,happened with another player too...But it isn't the time or the right place to discuss about it...

-- Anonymous, March 14, 2002

Couldnt agree more with your statement Menno. What is happening currently will destroy him - and then what will the investment be worth ? What I find hard to fathom is that for us to have paid out that sum of money for him, we must have seen something in him. There can be no doubting that he hasnot yet produced the football that people were expecting from a 10 million Euro Man. So what has gone wrong. Has it been the PR hype that surrounded the transfer, the move away from Sweden, poor coaching, the evolution of the player has not happened as fast as the club thought or worst of all a poor selection of player for the Ajax system ?

But the way of the world seems to be one of criticism first and foremost especially when the fans see that sort of money paid out. I hope he is given time to prove his doubters wrong but fear the worst.

-- Anonymous, March 14, 2002


Yes Bill, you're right, but then again: It's not Zlatan's fault that Ajax paid 10 million euros for him. It's not fair to come down so hard on a 20 year-old guy because of the fact that he was expensive...

-- Anonymous, March 14, 2002

Probably Anders the reason for the complaints is down to Ajax paying 10 Million Euros. For this amount of money, people expect more.

-- Anonymous, March 14, 2002

I can't understand why (as it seems) everyone in here are so anti- Zlatan. I've seen the boy do things with a football that you didn't think were possible. I've also heard that he has done some really fantastic trainings with Ajax, but that he right now just can't do IT during the matches. But be patient - the boy is only 21 years old and will probably be a professional footballer for well another 15 years, and he is undoubtfully a great talent, so why are you complaining?

-- Anonymous, March 14, 2002

Now it's official that Milan also wants to buy Zlatan, they asked the president of Ajax just three weeks ago if they could buy him. I personally think that there is one good thing and one bad thing about this. If I start with the bad thing, well, I don't think he's ready yet(I would prefer the Premier League) and the italian fans are more demanding than the dutch fans. However, the good thing is that he could get a fresh start since it seems that some dutch fans has already judged him as, and I quote, a "crappy player". Even TV in Holland seems to taunt him so that's gotta be tough for him. Anyway, I hope he stays in Ajax and get the support he needs form the fans.

-- Anonymous, March 13, 2002

Adema, I think he'll be fine. Jim and I got to interview Ronald Koeman personally last week (during our 'Ajax in Amsterdam, March 2002' trip). This was directly after Zlatan got sent away from training. We asked him what happened, and Koeman said something like: "I had a problem with Zlatan. He was not concentrated, so I told him he could better go. That can happen."

I think Koeman will give Mido a go now, which is absolutely fair. But I definitely don't think Zlatan has screwed up for good. Koeman has repeatedly referred to him as the highest quality striker he has in his squad. I suppose that was not such a bad judgement that he's completely changed his mind by now...

-- Anonymous, March 13, 2002


I don't want him to go to Roma, I just want him to get to play. Even though his bad shape, couldn't he even get to play 15 minutes..? I hope Koeman doesn't have a grudge against Zlatan since he threw him out from the training.

-- Anonymous, March 12, 2002

And Ajax fans should be more patient with him too.He's just a boy.Yeah he is kinda arrogant,and he has to change that.But he needs time...

-- Anonymous, March 12, 2002

Thank you Menno for that HONEST commentary about Zlatan. I have said the same thing often. Now all I ask of the Zlatan lovers is to please take it easy with these off the wall postings in the future.

There should be NOTHING said until he plays well.

Thank you,

Rich

-- Anonymous, March 12, 2002


Adema wrote: "I heard Roma was interested again, I hope they buy him after this season. Perhaps they know how to treat a talent."

Adema, it's great you're a true Zlatan fan (I am, too, you know), but what exactly are you trying to say here? Do you really think Zlatan is better off at a club like AS Roma or AC Milan in this stage of his career? Let me guarantee you one thing: at Ajax, he's still far too static, he doesn't move without the ball, he doesn't come towards crosses but stands around waiting for the ball, and he loses all his physical duels.

Do you think he would have an easier time in Italy? The average Serie A defender will eat him alive.

I firmly believe in Zlatan and I'm sure he'll become a great Ajax striker. But he has to be honest to himself and admit that he's still got a lot to learn when it comes to top football. Ronald Koeman has been extremely patient with him and has given him plenty of time and chances in the team, but had no other choice than to try something different.

I think a (small) part of the ArenA crowd are too treating him too harshly. But it would be naive and plain stupid to think that AS Roma will have more patience with a player his age. If he goes there now, we won't ever see him again. He'll get the living crap kicked out of him for a few games, he'll end up on the bench with no chance to ever return into the team and no chance to ever leave for a new club cos his transfer fee will be enormous.

Ajax does not know how to treat a talent, but AS Roma does? Please wake up, Adema. No matter how much you (and I) love him as a player, you really have to be a little bit more critical of your hero here...

-- Anonymous, March 12, 2002


*sigh* Zlatan didn't get to play... since goals are all that matters, he probably won't get to play next game either. I heard Roma was interested again, I hope they buy him after this season. Perhaps they know how to treat a talent.

-- Anonymous, March 10, 2002

I copied some centences from the game between Ajax and Liverpool before the season. Why isn't he playing like this now. His talent can't be gone. The only thing I can think of is lack of confidence.

the first moments on which Zlatan staggered the over 45,000 crowd at the ArenA, by showing some incredible movements, slipping past the entire Liverpool defense a few times, while the ball seemed to be glued to his foot. His left footed shot went wide after he'd left Henchoz behind, whereas everyone missed his low cross after a magnificent run along the goal-line, which started at the corner flag. Playing like this, Zlatan is definitely a player you're happy to buy a game ticket for.

-- Anonymous, March 07, 2002


What i can say about Zlatan is... he needs more time to adapt. So stop bothering him with your unkind treatment like booing and whistling while he's trying to play. Remember that he doesn't score a lot of goals, but you certainly won't forget how painful it is for the "de Kuipers" (People who watch all the match in De Kuip: Feyenoorders) to see him score there. He is a huge talented player.

-- Anonymous, March 07, 2002

Hi Ajax Abroad fans! Im From Holland and a huge Ajax Fan. I realy don't know about Zlatan. Never seen him before he played in ajax but he's not doing well right now, i hope he is as good as you guys say he is. i wish all the best for him and i hope he will regain his confedence,

Dutchy Dennis

ps. that wissle shit, is realy stupid but the ajax fans wanna see ajax win for a chance (ajax hasnt won anything major last +/- 5 years)

-- Anonymous, March 06, 2002


Have patience!

Zlatan is a good footballplayer. And he can score goals. It's not about that. This is his first season as a professional player abroad and his self confidence is not on top right now. That might be why he is not performing well right now, not that he is a bad footballplayer.

I'd like to show you a centence from one of Mennos comments earlier this season about Mido and Zlatan:

"They're also very young, so I'm just hoping Ajax allow them a 'warm- up' year first, and I also hope that Mido and Zlatan will be patient enough to think the same about Ajax. "

Have you forgotten this already?

/Jakob - WWW.ZLATAN.TV

-- Anonymous, March 05, 2002


Its not about Zlatan saying anything about his ability, because to my knowledge he has never said anything about himself. However, if the fans want to whistle and boo they can do whatever they please.

Does it help the player to hear this type of treatment I would say not, but you can do nothing about it, and it happens to all of the big teams, and even to the very best players.

The question is why is Zlatan getting this treatment? Like I said before (on a few occasions if you wish to check) its because of his supporters who go on forums like this very one, and give ridiculous comments about his ability.

For the last time I say take it easy, and enough already with these brilliant fakes and touches.

Keep it real everyone.

-- Anonymous, February 18, 2002


I agree with Geo. Zlatan has to pass more and do more easy goals. I don't think he should stop dribbling since it is his greatest strengt but maybe he should cut down a bit on it.

-- Anonymous, February 18, 2002

I agree with Rich...But i just wanna say that fans must not boo or whistle at ANY player.If someone of you has played football in the past,or still plays(i'm talking about beeing a footballer,a part of a team),knows that this destroys your confidense.Zlatan is STILL one of the best talents around the world.But that doesn't mean that he has to play 90'.He has to prove some things.In case someone doesn't know in here,Machlas was one of the best talents at the age of 18,too.He played twice for the world all-stars.He scored twice against A.C. Milan,played in the World Cup as a main member of the Greek squad (even though we fucked up BIG time...My american friends know what i'm talking about,USA 94'.)Then he played for Vitesse,where he got his chances,and he proved that he is not only a talent.He evolved into a very good football player,known worldwide for his scoring ability.What i'm trying to say,is that Zlatan has to prove he is evolving into a great player,EVERY time he gets the chance to play.Even if it is only for 15 minutes.He doesn't have to score.He just have to stop all this dribbling,and carrying of the ball.He has to pass more,to be more mature,to learn how to move without the ball.Then he will prove he's a complete football player.Right now he's just a talent,seeking for the opportunities to prove he is a good player...I hope u all agree with me.

-- Anonymous, February 18, 2002

You can blame the media and the fans for all the hype he had gotten, I haven't heard him say anything that would give people high expectations. However, how is booing and whistling going to help anything? Do you really think he'll become better by hearing it? It's understandable that you're dissapointed but I don't think he deserves all the critic that he gets.

About the world class goals in the trainings, I saw it on a forum where several Ajax fans were discussing it. But can I ask one thing, what were you expecting from him? 3 goals avarage per match? He has done his famous dribbles and feints, right? Isn't that what the hype was all about? Anyway, how about being a little optimistic and hoping that he scores in the next game (if he gets to play)!

-- Anonymous, February 18, 2002


The problem with Zlatan and the fans booing and whistling him are understandable with all of the unjust hype he has gotten. He has proved nothing so far, and the fans have probably gotten sick of hearing about him when he not delivered the goods. I know I fall into this category.

About his scoring world class goals, I must ask when and where has this occurred? In training you say? How do you even know this? You also mentioned his performing for Sweden's National team. Well he will have his work cut out playing for them during the World Cup with his current form for one, let alone the other squad members who are more deserving of a run in that team, namely Larsson and Allback.

I do not want to upset anyone here as I a HUGE supporter of Ajax and only want the best, but the problem with people getting down on Zlatan is simply because of the ridiculous hype he has received. Give him a break as Menno has pointed out before he is very young, but again let's be a little realistic and take a good look at things before posting crazy comments about "his quality".

Ajax 4 Ever!!

-- Anonymous, February 18, 2002


I agree with most of what you said and yes, Machlas should play as long as Zlatan can't score. But I think it's important that Zlatan get's enough confidence to score those "easy" goals, just as Machlas does right now. It's alot better to have a player who can create chances from nothing + score easy goals than a player who ONLY can score with the help from his teammates. You have a player who has the potential to be one of the greatest, one of the ten most promising talents in the world so I just dispise it when someone blatantly claims that Zlatan is a mediocre player, not saying that you did it. From what I hear, Zlatan does alot of world class goals on the practices so the problem isn't that he can't score, it's that he can't score under pressure (booing and whistling). Lets hope that those fans try's to cheer him instead.

-- Anonymous, February 18, 2002

Until now,Zlatan was the one playing 75 minutes and Machlas playing 15'...And Zlatan just didn't score.He is a striker for God's sake!I'm not saying that all a striker must do is scoring,BUT it's the MAIN PURPOSE OF FOOTBALL!Zlatan had some chances.Machlas had his chances,too.And Zlatan played ok,but did nothing special.Machlas was given a 20 minutes chance,and offered 3 points to Ajax.And after this game he was sitting on the bench again.He got another 45' chance and he scored twice.After that,he started in the squad,and scored twice AGAIN!Well,common sense says he must start in the squad.Zlatan will get his chances again.Let's see what he can do.Yesterday,Machlas played poorly.But we all know his style of play.He is the kind of player,that needs the whole team to play well,so chances can be created,and he can score(and he is one of the best,for this kind of play.He is one of the few "pure" inside-the-box strikers).This thing didn't happen,so he didn't play well.That's why Koeman decided to let Zlatan play again..........And u talked about all Machlas can do is scoring goals.Yes,that's what he can do.What's wrong with that? Plus,if u check out the stats,he has many assists,too........Conclusion:Zlatan will get back in the squad,when he proves he can offer more.And at this time he doesn't(if u ask all the Dutch Ajax fans,they will tell u the same thing).

I agree with most of what you said and yes, Machlas should play as long as Zlatan can't score. But I think it's important that Zlatan get's enough confidence to score those "easy" goals, just as Machlas does right now. It's alot better to have a player who can create chances from nothing + score easy goals than a player who ONLY can score with the help from his teammates. You have a player who has the potential to be one of the greatest, one of the ten most promising talents in the world so I just dispise it when someone blatantly claims that Zlatan is a mediocre player, not saying that you did it. From what I hear, Zlatan does alot of world class goals on the practices so the problem isn't that he can't score, it's that he can't score under pressure (booing and whistling). Let's hope that those fans try's to cheer him instead.

-- Anonymous, February 18, 2002


Until now,Zlatan was the one playing 75 minutes and Machlas playing 15'...And Zlatan just didn't score.He is a striker for God's sake!I'm not saying that all a striker must do is scoring,BUT it's the MAIN PURPOSE OF FOOTBALL!Zlatan had some chances.Machlas had his chances,too.And Zlatan played ok,but did nothing special.Machlas was given a 20 minutes chance,and offered 3 points to Ajax.And after this game he was sitting on the bench again.He got another 45' chance and he scored twice.After that,he started in the squad,and scored twice AGAIN!Well,common sense says he must start in the squad.Zlatan will get his chances again.Let's see what he can do.Yesterday,Machlas played poorly.But we all know his style of play.He is the kind of player,that needs the whole team to play well,so chances can be created,and he can score(and he is one of the best,for this kind of play.He is one of the few "pure" inside-the-box strikers).This thing didn't happen,so he didn't play well.That's why Koeman decided to let Zlatan play again..........And u talked about all Machlas can do is scoring goals.Yes,that's what he can do.What's wrong with that? Plus,if u check out the stats,he has many assists,too........Conclusion:Zlatan will get back in the squad,when he proves he can offer more.And at this time he doesn't(if u ask all the Dutch Ajax fans,they will tell u the same thing).

-- Anonymous, February 18, 2002

Machlas knows how to score but other than that, he doesn't play very good at all. From what I've seen of the last games, Zlatan has played better than Machlas but since Machlas did the goals, he got all the credit. And yes, a striker should be able to score more than what Zlatan does right now, but it's kinda hard doing it with only 12' minutes out of 180 minutes of playtime. Yesterday's game ended 0-0 and Machlas played 78' minutes without scoring so it seems his "period of fire" is over, atleast judging by that game. Do you still think Machlas should play in the next game as much as he did in yesterdays? I'm kind of tired of all the Ajax-fans jumping on the "bash Zlatan-bandwagon"...

-- Anonymous, February 18, 2002

I'm not saying those things my friend.Zlatan was playing,before Machlas started scoring.What is Koeman supposed to do?Throw a striker that scored 5 goals in 3 games(in the first one,a very important goal) out of the team,just because Zlatan has to play more,to improve his skills?He can do this during training too,u know.I never said he isn't offering things to the team.I just said that this period of time,other players are doing better than him...Not buying a proven goal scorer?LOL!Are we talking about the same team?Cause as far as i know,Ajax has bought MANY young players,AND a proven goal scorer...

-- Anonymous, February 18, 2002

Yeah, keeping him on the bench will really improve those things. Right. According to you he also has 0 goals and 0 assists and all he does is stand still and watches while his teammates play. OK. I believe that you Ajax fans (and the old coach) pretty much screwed up his confidence. He plays great in the Swedish national team, though, the swedish fans tend to cheer him, not boo him (it was quite funny in one game how you booed him everytime he touched the ball, only to see him score two goals a few minutes later). How about supporting him through his rough time right now? No? Either way, I thought Ajax were building up a team for the future with all the young players, hence the not buying a proven goal scorer, only buying talents.

-- Anonymous, February 17, 2002

Because he "carries" the ball around the field without doing anything useful,he doesn't know how to move without the ball,he doesn't like passing the ball,and he doesn't score.I believe that many of these things happen because he is very young.But Koeman has some reasons to keep him out of squad,don't you think?

-- Anonymous, February 17, 2002

Why isn't Koeman letting Zlatan play? Zlatan didn't get to play at all in the last game, and today's game he only got to play 12 minutes. And what is this I hear about fans booing at him?? Man, if this keeps up I hope some other club buys Zlatan, a club where the coach doesn't destroy players confidence and fans doesn't boo at their own players. Shame on you!

-- Anonymous, February 17, 2002

True...

-- Anonymous, February 09, 2002

Re: Zlatan's play in Thursday's Amstel Cup game...

He played a good first half, did something good with the ball almost every time he received it. Also: he gave a *brilliant* little pass to Wamberto, who scored the 2-0 from it.

Tell that to the fuckin' ASSHOLES who were whistling and booing at him on Thursday in the ArenA - and I guarantee you they don't even know about that superb assist!

A lot of people simply refuse to see it. They only remember the somewhat flighty way he missed a scoring chance: he tried to subtly lift the ball over the goalkeeper, instead of shooting low.

Okay, it would have been better to try it the simple way... perhaps, but then again: since when do Ajax fans start whistling and booing when a player tries to do something the beautiful, frivolous way???? That's what our club's about, isn't it??? And the team had a 1-0 lead anyway, so why not???

To all the Dutch supporters who whistled onm Thursday and are now visiting this forum: CUT THE CRAP! SUPPORT THIS GUY! HE'S 20 YEARS OLD AND EVERY *TRUE* SUPPORTER, WHO EVER WATCHED AN AJAX TRAINING SESSION, KNOWS WHAT THIS GUY IS CAPABLE OF! PATIENCE!

-- Anonymous, February 09, 2002


I heard that Machlas is doing better than Zlatan at the moment. I just hope that Koeman will continue playing Zlatan from start. He is better than Machlas, he just needs some time. I believe in ZLatan. WWW.ZLATAN.TV

-- Anonymous, February 09, 2002

i want to answer with another question what are the probabilities that ibrahimovic will play for as roma after the world cup 2002

-- Anonymous, February 05, 2002

Hi Hadi Thanks for the objective and calm post on Zlatan and on my knowledge of football. I have been around for many a day and have seen a good few great dribblers/players from the late 50's through to today. I go along with a lot of what you are saying, but baulk at saying he is a great player already. He has talent that is for sure, but at present the end product ie interplay with the rest of the team and goals, is not totally there. What Roma see in him is the same that Ajax saw in him - he has a raw talent that can be built upon to make a great player in the future. I believe he can become this great player with Ajax.

-- Anonymous, January 30, 2002

I MUST SAY TO BILL THAT HE CAN NOTHING ABOUT FOOTBALL. Zlatan is one of the best dribblers in the world.I have seen it with my own eyes.He is talented.Why do you think that ROMA is after him. FORZA ZLATAN!!!!!!!!! AND JUVE HEJDÅ:HADI H

-- Anonymous, January 29, 2002

I note that Zlatan is in the lead in the straw poll to be the number 1 striker in the second half of the season. I must admit that I still cannot see that he is worthy of such praise at the moment. However, given time and hard work I really do believe that he will be a great player.

-- Anonymous, January 25, 2002

New coach for Sweden Under-21's. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Bojan Djordjic, Kim Källström and the other bright new Swedish football stars have gotten a new coach for the Sweden Under-21's team. Former IFK Göteborg player, and one of the most popular Swedish players of recent years, Torbjörn Nilsson, 47, has been chosen as new coach when Göran Göransson did not get his contract renewed. - I cannot think of anyone better suited for this task than Nilsson, said Bojan Djordjic, who declined participation in the team after a controvercy with Göransson. Question is whether Zlatan will play in the U21, the national team or both. If Nilsson gets his way, Zlatan will be part of his squad. - He is a good football player and important, if he doesn't play for the national team. Since he is a forward, I will be able to share my experience with him, says Nilsson. He points out that the profiles of his team should be players like Andreas Isaksson, Kim Källström, Johan Elmander and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Source: www.zlatan.net

-- Anonymous, January 22, 2002

Koeman seems to like Zlatan. He gets pretty much time on the field. That's great! www.zlatan.tv

-- Anonymous, January 17, 2002

I know there are quite a few persons who don´t get the thing with Zlatan. I believe that´s the same as asking "what´s the thing with football". Why are we so interested in this game? It´s because of players like Zlatan. If there weren´t players to control and manage the ball like that, it would be as intruiging as watching a game of chess in highspeed. He´s an artist because he contributes to a development in football. He´s unafraid and technical. No matter what happens and which club/s will be his next one/s, I believe we all can agree that it´s an honour and at the same time very interesting, to follow his development during these first learning years, for he truly is an outstanding player. With the strenght and technique he has shown I believe nothing can stop him but him self.

Much love to Zlatan.

-- Anonymous, January 08, 2002


It has nothing to do with scoring goals in big matches in a young age e.t.c....It has to do with the way he plays.He doesn't give a f*** about his teammates,he just wants to do fancy sh**...I hope this happens because he is still young...He couldn't score more goals anyway,with the system that Ajax plays(even Machlas who is more experienced,and a better scorer,is not scoring enough)...The attackers pass,and the midfielders score...Crazy team!!!...he will become a great striker for sure...But not even close to the top class strikers.

-- Anonymous, January 08, 2002

Menno, My apologies for mentioning Van Nistelrooy as scoring big goals in big matches at a young age. I was incorrect there, but I never mentioned Van Basten. Thanks for the correction.

Anyway, my referenece to Van Nistelrooy was only because of the previous post that said Zlatan could or should be better than Ruud and Kluivert. I got a little carried away with my remarks after that crazy (Crazy to me anyway) remark. I guess we agree on that comparison being off the mark, and what a dreadful move it would be for the young Swede to leave for Roma or Milan that have been rumored lately.

I guess one of my problems might be that I think that the Dutch League has really dropped quality wise the past 2 seasons or so, and with that I really have been careful going overboard on any prospects if you will. Exceptions being Rafael Van Der Vaart who looks to be a real gem. I only say this as I watch quite a bit of football, (I collect matches from overseas also) and really keep myself up-to-date on the beautiful game.

I hope Zlatan proves me wrong, (He is ONLY 19 like you say) my point though was to have some of the posters take it easy on the accolades for now.

Rich

-- Anonymous, January 06, 2002


Personally, I don't take the AS Roma stories too seriously, but just in case it's all true: it would be a very, very, very stupid decision to go there. Zlatan went to Ajax because he wanted to learn stuff. He wanted to get the chance to improve as a player.

His first season half in Holland was not bad, but it's also obvious that he still has a LOT to learn and that he's absolutely not ready yet for a league such as in Italy or Spain. No way. If he moves there now, he's gonna be on the bench forever and will be the death of his career.

If he's a smart kid (and I think he is), he'll stay at Ajax for three more seasons or so. After that, he's only 23 and I firmly believe that he will be tactically, mentally and physically ready for Italy or Spain by then.

But not now. It would be the most stupid thing to do.

-- Anonymous, January 06, 2002


I totally agree with Menno, after all he is only 20 years old and what Menno forgot; he has already made his debut in the Swedish national team and scored a goal in the World Cup qualifications. Not to mention that he probably will be one of the 22 players in the Swedish World Cup team this summer.

WWW.ZLATAN.TV

-- Anonymous, January 06, 2002


Rich wrote: "Yes he is young, but what has he done?"

I don't understand remarks like this one. I guess what it all comes down to is that you and I have a completely different life attitude. My attitude, as an Ajax fan and as a human being, would be: he is young, and what has he done wrong?

I don't think there's so much he's done wrong so far. He scored 19 goals in pre-season. If I remember it correctly the player who came closest (Arveladze) scored 9 or 10. 19 goals against amateur teams mean nothing, but he definitely did not do a bad job.

Then the season started. He scored a goal at Feyenoord and gave the assist for Van der Vaart's second (that's what I call scoring an "important goal at young age"). So far (these stats are from VI Planet.nl), Zlatan scored 7 goals in 20 games in Ajax-1.

Of course, it's not 'The Big Impact' yet, but it's simply not true that he doesn't score goals. 7 out of 20 is not bad at all. Nikos Machlas scored 5 goals in 21 games, for example.

Also, in the last four league games (Fortuna, Roda, Vitesse, Utrecht), Zlatan played for 181 minutes in total - and scored three goals. That's one goal every hour. What more can you reasonably expect?

All in all (goals, assists, team-play) Zlatan is doing well. Not spectacularly well, but reasonably well for a guy of Kwame Quansah and Steven Pienaar's age in his first year abroad.

As for the (quite irrelevant) comparisons with the 'Great Dutch Strikers': Patrick Kluivert did better at 19/20 years-old, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Marco van Basten did not.

When Ruud van Nistelrooy was Zlatan's age, he had not even played his first Eredivisie game yet. He had played exactly 36 games in the First Division in three seasons time, in which he scored 5 goals in total.

As for Marco van Basten: he did nothing significant until the 1985- 1986 season (when he was 22) and reached his peaks in 1987, 1988 and 1989 (aged 23 to 25).

Comparing Zlatan to them is irrelevant (cos he's a different person, isn't he?) and betting that he will never be as good is quite safe, cos you'll win such a bet 99% of the times. But for what it's worth: Van Nistelrooy and Van Basten were not better when they just turned 20 than Zlatan is now.

These are just some factual corrections, but anyways - enough of that.

The real point I want to make is this: when it comes to Ajax and 20 year-old Ajax players, I understand enthusiasm - and I don't understand scepticism as long as the kid has not failed. This has nothing to do with facts, goals or statistics - it's just the attitude I was born with (or whatever).

Enthusiasm does not annoy me - but that's personal. Apparently.

-- Anonymous, January 06, 2002


Again I ask what is with all of this Zlatan hype? I really do not get it. Yes he is young, but what has he done? He plays with little fire or effort to be totally honest. Most importantly he plays as a striker, and does not score goals! If Ac Milan or Roma want him they can have him, but why would they? He would never see the field.

Again I know he is young, but let's all be realistic here. Give the guy a few years before giving him any undo accolades. Its quite sickening already.

Finally, regarding the statement that he can be better than Van Nistelrooy and Kluivert I say, stay off the crack pipe! Both of these players are two of the top 5-10 strikers in the world, and they have scored goals in important matches at young ages, and continue to do so as they have both gotten older. That comparison statement is complete madness.

Sorry folks, but again this Zlatan stuff is ridiculous .

-- Anonymous, January 05, 2002


Better than Kluivert or v.Nistelroy?Hmmmmmmmmmmmm...What can I say???"NO WAY" maybe????

-- Anonymous, January 05, 2002

Zlatan's attitude in the media is more down to earth. But he has a look on his face that a lot of people don't like. They then easily say he is arrogant. Not because of his comments (wich are in fact not arrogant at all) but beacause of his way of playing on the field. The public wants a player that gives a full 100% and they think Zlatan doesn't do that. That's why they are sceptic about him but a lot of people (me included) do see that he is one of the biggest talents ajax has bought over the last 10 years. I personally think he is able to be better than v. Nistelrooij or Kluivert (example). But he has a lot of work to do to get there.

-- Anonymous, January 04, 2002

Please mail me the video too if anyone finds it!!! Thanks! www.zlatan.tv

-- Anonymous, December 30, 2001

I was looking for Zlatan's deke against Liverpool, where he sent Henchoz up to the stands (they were somewhere 'round L'pools goal, in the corner I think). Does anyone know where to find it??? Please mail me if you do!

Thanks in advance!

-- Anonymous, December 29, 2001


Zlatan is the hottest athlete in Sweden. www.zlatan.tv

-- Anonymous, December 29, 2001

Does anyone know if Roma, or any other club who seems to be very interessted in Zlatan, can buy him at any time? What does his contract say? Do you think Ajax will sell him if Roma offers the £10 they say they will offer?

-- Anonymous, December 23, 2001

Please check http://www.zlatan.tv and give me your comments!! Thanks

-- Anonymous, December 21, 2001

There's a new Zlatan site out there. www.zlatan.tv Check it out! (it's nice)

-- Anonymous, December 19, 2001

I don't think we had to wait for Koeman to talk about the technical skills of Mido and Zlatan...We've seen them play,and we know how good they are...But,like we all know,they need more experience...Let's see what will happen today...I hope Ajax will score 4-5 times this evening...BUT...u never know...

-- Anonymous, December 12, 2001

On yesterday's AT5 news (local) Zlatan again suggested that he is very happy that Koeman took over from Adriaanse. He mentioned the importance of a relaxed atmosphere and stated that "discipline is good, but that too much discipline is bad for the self-confidence of young players..."

Koeman stated that he was (positively) surprised by the individuel skills of the Ajax players, especially the technical skills of Zlatan and Mido. But he also said that they still have al lot to learn, especially how to choose for the easy way in playing soccer and how to handle when they lose the ball.

It is good to see how Koeman wants to create a relaxed atmosphere ('playing soccer starts with joy in playing soccer') and increase the self-confidence of the group, especially of the strikers. I think therefore that Zlatan will score four goals tomorrow to thank Koeman for that ;-)

-- Anonymous, December 11, 2001


What do you mean he hasn't played well against good opponents? He might have done some bad performances in important matches, but not against good teams. I think that Menno's point was very good.

-- Anonymous, December 11, 2001

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a good player, but he hasn't played very well in the important matches against the big teams. I think he's a good striker for games like against fortuna sittard, but he's not ready yet to play against celtic or whatever. He's still growing and he has the skills to become a fantastic player.

-- Anonymous, December 08, 2001

In the very few hours they met, Koeman told Zlatan that he shouldn't choose for a difficult play style when his self confidence is too low. Better go for the effective play style first and if everything goes well you can try to play with more risk. I think Koeman is right by this. And hey, Zlatan immediately scored two goals!

-- Anonymous, December 06, 2001

I don't know if you have read or heard this in any of his interviews, but he often states that he hasn't learned the ajax playing system fully yet. And that he learns something new every day. I think that when he finds his place, he will deliver even more to Ajax. The new coach seems to know how to use Zlatan, and he was sort of an idol to me and many other when I was young and he blasted those free-kicks :)

-- Anonymous, December 06, 2001

Zlatan is a great striker...PERIOD...

-- Anonymous, December 05, 2001

Using the word overrated to describe Zlatan is due to all of the messages on our website that he the best, yada, yada, yada, he is being sought by big clubs, etc. Its quite enough of this crap already.

There have been MANY of these meassages, and quite simply he has not warranted these high expectations or accolades. Of course he is only 19, but with all of this hype he has surely not delivered.

Its certainly a good thing that he seems to have his feet on the ground when being compared to the Great Van Basten. That is crazy talk and not fair to the youngster.

-- Anonymous, December 05, 2001


Now Zlatan scored two superb goals in one half against Fortuna, I think it's time to get the "Zlatan is overrated" crap out of the way.

First of all, when he was signed, it was the press and, after that, the fans who kept shouting he was the next Van Basten. The first ever time I heard Zlatan saying something on TV, it was: "Van Basten is a thousand times better than me."

The second thing I ever heard him say, was an answer to a reporter's question whether he had a special instinct for standing in the right place. This was after his goal at Feyenoord. His answer: "No. This was pure luck."

The third thing I ever heard him say was: "I'm only 19 years old, I came to Ajax to learn. There's still a lot of things I have to learn. I don't demand to be in the starting line-up all the time in my first season."

The point I wanna make: Zlatan does not claim that he's already a striker of the Van Basten caliber. He obviously tries to keep the expectations down to a realistic level. He's almost literally asking for time and patience. And he deserves that, being a 19 year-old talent in his first year at Ajax.

But then again, even if you expect him to be a grown-up, dangerous, goal-scoring striker, I really don't see where the conclusion comes from that he's overrated. I made some calculations I would like to share with you.

So far, the season can be divided in two parts, when it comes to Zlatan. The first part was before his suspension, when Ajax was winning everything. The second part was after his (league only) suspension, when Ajax started losing everything.

In the first part of the season, Zlatan was on the pitch in eleven games. He was in the starting line-up six times. He got to play the full 90 minutes three times and played more than 45 minutes five times. Here's his achievements:

He played 45 and 28 minutes, respectively, in the Celtic games. No goals, no assists. He played only seven minutes against Roda, in which he (logically) could not show anything.

Then he started feeling at home...

28 minutes at Feyenoord: one goal, plus the assist for the second one. Full game at FC Twente: one goal, plus the assist for the second one. Full game against AZ: no goal, but he did flick on a long kick, which Mido flicked on too, before Van der Vaart finished. Full game against Apollon Limassol: one goal. 57 minutes against Sparta: header against the post, which was finished in rebound. 60 minutes against Apollon Limassol: one goal. 82 minutes at FC Groningen (his best game so far): one assist. 74 minutes against NEC: nothing.

That's the facts until he got suspended. He got to play more than 45 minutes in eight games - scored 4 goals, gave 4 succesful assists (not including the flick-on against AZ). Is that bad? Don't think so. No reason to start using the word "overrated" for a 19 year-old guy who never compared himself to anyone.

During his suspension, he played the two games against Copenhagen, which is hard when the team plays poorly and you don't have the 'rhythm' of playing. When his suspension was over, Ajax was in deep crisis, no-one played well and Co got sacked. He didn't play well in the PSV, NAC and Twente games, returning into a team that had "lost it" during his absence.

It took him a few weeks to get the feeling back, but yesterday he lifted his total to six goals and four assists in ten starting line-up performances.

MY CONCLUSION: Ajax started losing when Zlatan was not there. Logically (cos he wasn't there) his most recent goals disappeared from people's memories. When he returned, the crowd (and team) had become frustrated and blamed Zlatan for the fact that he couldn't change things and was playing s badly as everyone else. No more than two and a half poor weeks have turned him from "the new Van Basten" to an "overrated player".

I think that's odd and unfair. It almost seems as if people add the five weeks he was suspended to the three weeks in which he really played badly. In other words: it seems some people are blaming him for the fact that he didn't score any goals during his absence...

So let's cut the crap and enjoy what this guy can do. It's a shame that the American fans didn't get to see the goals he scored yesterday. The first one really made me think of, er... Van Basten :-)

-- Anonymous, December 05, 2001


I can't understand why people in Holland blame him for not scoring. The guy was suspended for five games, how could he have scored in those games??? Before that a lot of matches he started on the bench, just like today. And he scored again - twice!

I agree that he sometimes makes a few silly mistakes, but that's part of his play. He plays with a sort of risk, trying to make the smartest move. If it works, everyone is delighted, but if it goes wrong it looks pretty stupid and sloppy.

Anyway: two great goals against Fortuna. Very important, because people on the stands (like Olav) got pretty impatient. This is what he needed! Now let's go for more!

-- Anonymous, December 05, 2001


I'm glad Zlatan scored - twice - in the Fortuna match !! It'll do wonders for his confidence. He's got raw talent and a superb, deft touch on the ball; skills seldom seen on an average striker. Olaf, give him time. It is impossible to ignore his talents...

-- Anonymous, December 05, 2001

ok i will take my words back, i ve seen him against fortuna sittard and he just had to convince me. Now he has convinced me for 75% that he actually can play soccer. But with all respect, he isn't a top player, maybe he ever will, but not now.

-- Anonymous, December 04, 2001

Just started up an international fanpage about Zlatan at http://www.zlatan.net

It still needs some work, but bookmark it now! Feel free to come with suggestions on improvements or just comments.

/ Hans

-- Anonymous, December 04, 2001


Zlatan is a very good soccerplayer with lots of skills. He has a lovely technique, a great shot and he is good with the head. Why would he play for the Swedish national team if he wasn't a good player? He will bring great success for Ajax!

-- Anonymous, December 02, 2001

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is one of the weakest strikers ajax ever had. You can compare them to Gabrich, but then a bad version. Zlatan can't even kick a ball. Why where there so many expectations of him? He was the topscorer of the swedish second division,so just like we are so enthiousiastic to buy harry van der laan or something, a topscorer of the dutch toto-division. He's a real waste of money, with this kind of buying ajax will never become the rich and famous club they once where.

-- Anonymous, December 01, 2001

Hi I'm Robin from the Netherlands and a huge fan of Ajax and especially of Zlatan. He's the one we need in front of the goal. He's the "target man" and with or without our coach Co Adriaanse who is leaving, I think Ajax will go straight to the top of Holland and then, with Zlatan as the big man, make it in Europe. greetzz Robin from Holland Ajax 4ever

-- Anonymous, November 30, 2001

I must agree with Jakob.

I can understand Jim's point very well: I've seen Zlatan hit two opponents with his elbow (Schoenmakers of FC Groningen and, a week before, a plyare of Apollon Limassol). Both cases were obvious and extremely nasty.

But this one? Several people freaked out, so I've "studied" the footage for a while and I really don't see anything particularly ugly. He jumps (much higher than his opponent) and while he's landing his elbow sort of hits the opponent in the neck. Apparently, as Zlatan feels his elbow is in contact with the opponent, he moves his arm, lifting his elbow from the opponent's neck.

The defender is in his back, so technically, Zlatan couldn't even aim. He couldn't see where his elbow was gonna land, didn't try to hit with hit. He absolutely didn't pull out towards his opponent or something.

I have no intention to defend Zlatan if he does anything bad. But this was really nothing. There's no other conclusion for me.

-- Anonymous, November 28, 2001


The referee didn't think it was that tough. Zlatan didn't get red or even a yellow card and he will not be suspended. He looked at the ball and didn't try to hurt the other player. It sounds to me like it wasn't that hard. Zlatan is very tall and he jumps higher than his opponents. That's why these things can happen.

-- Anonymous, November 28, 2001

I am very, very concerned about Zlatan right now. As much as I love what he does with the ball -- Ajax seem to be impotent without him in attack -- his apparently violent nature concerns me deeply. I would not be surprised if he gets another lengthy suspension for his elbowing of a PSV player (Bøgelund?) in the back of the head. I watched the replay over and over again on TV, and it just looks very ugly, as if he intended to injure the player. Hopefully I'm wrong, and the TV angle was deceptive. But I don't think I am wrong. And I do not want to support a player who goes out to injure the opposition. One of the reasons I HATE F*yenoord is the completely vicious and cynical foul by Bosvelt against Dennis Irwin in the Champions League several years ago. Now there is a player at Ajax who seems to have the same capacity for malicious intent.

Somebody, please explain to me why I am wrong.

-- Anonymous, November 25, 2001


The return of Z did not help... what is happening to AJAX?!

-- Anonymous, November 25, 2001

Jakob >> På zlatan .nu kan du beställa ajax-tröja med zlatan på ryggen.

-- Anonymous, November 21, 2001

I need to point out that alot of bosnians whould like to call Zlatan a bosnian. I'am swedishbosnian and Zlatan is swidish. There is nothing to discuss becose he was born, he played and he lived in Sweden. He has bosnian roots, thats a different thing.

-- Anonymous, November 19, 2001

This Sunday's game against NAC is the last game of Zlatan's suspension. He's available again for the game against PSV, but I don't think he'll win his spot back just like that. I *think* Co will go for Mido in the starting line-up if he has the chance. But it's always good to have Machlas *and* Zlatan as subs. That's what I call luxury.

-- Anonymous, November 16, 2001

Hi! I would really want to buy a Ajax shirt with Zlatans name on it. Does anyone know where I can get one! Thanks!

-- Anonymous, November 12, 2001

Hello! I miss Zlatan in the Ajax squad! When will he be back? http://www.zlatanfanzone.cjb.net Bye!

-- Anonymous, November 06, 2001

Hello...I love Zlatan...did you know that I've seen him live???In 100000of games in sweden and outside my house...i've even huged him..i love him so much...this is not an answer this is a letter ...love you zlatan now and 4 ever

-- Anonymous, November 05, 2001

Great article Menno - but I must admit it hasnot been love at first sight for me - the jury is out at the moment. He seems to be a little erratic in his passing as a fairly high proportion of passes in the games I have seen have fallen short of their intended destination. If he can eradicate this from his game then I too will fall under his spell.

-- Anonymous, October 30, 2001

One final request... Can we please stop the Bosnia vs Sweden discussion? I don't like the tone of it, with all that 'Zlatan Muslimovic' stuff. Thank you.

By the way, good news: I was just counting games, to see when Zlatan's suspension is over. He's missed RKC and SC Heerenveen, he will miss Willem II, De Graafschap and NAC. After that, he's available again for... Ajax vs psv.

That's nice.

-- Anonymous, October 25, 2001


Zlatan Muslimovic has U21 caps for bosnia

-- Anonymous, October 22, 2001

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is indeed a superb player.There is so much media talk about him now.I am relieved that he has finally played his first few international matches for Sweden,this would secure his Swedish nationality.Does anyone here knows about this player by the name of Zlatan Muslimovic?He is a striker currently playing for Italian club Perugia.He carries both Swedish and Bosnian nationalities.He is not called up for any international matches yet,but this does not mean he is no good.He is a good striker too,it is just that he has not got a chance to prove himself in Perugia yet.Given the oppotunities,i am sure he would be as good as Zlatan Ibrahimovic.I really hope that Sweden would pick Zlatan Muslimovic before Bosnia.I have no grudge against Bosnia,in fact i like Bosnia too.It is because i want to see the Zlatans partner each other as strikers for Sweden.Moreover,both are of the same name(Zlatan),age(20-for this year 2001)and i would confidently say skill too!It would be great to watch them play together!Zlatan fans,check out on Zlatan Muslimovic too.I give my utmost support for the two Zlatans and wish them success in their careers!I also give my utmost respect to all Zlatan fans out there- You guys are the best!Keep up the good work!Zlatan forever!

-- Anonymous, October 21, 2001

Zlatan has enough talent and ability to play in a top club like Ajax. In spite of young age,I believe he will be a star of the world.I am very happy that Ajax can find a excellent young player like him. Which scout of Ajax found Zlatan?^^v

-- Anonymous, October 17, 2001

I thought that was an accident even if it looks weird i don't think that happened intentionally...did you?

Lets just pray that he will play the Uefa Cup game againts FC köpenhamn the 18/10 cuz i'll be there watching!

-- Anonymous, October 12, 2001


Today the KNVB has proposed a settlement/agreement of a suspension of 5 games. Zlatan can react on that before tomorrow morning 9.30 AM. If he refuses this settlement the case will be brought to the disciplinary comittee of the KNVB. In that case I don't think they can't punish him before wednesday evening's match against NEC.

So he'd better refuse and play against NEC.

-- Anonymous, October 09, 2001


Is there anyone here that could tell Ajax.nl to add my Zlatan Fanzone (http://www.zlatanfanzone.cjb.net) to their Fanpages? I've tried quite a few times but they just won't respond. If not, at least tell me your opinion about my site.

-- Anonymous, October 09, 2001

AT5 reports that Zlatan got a 'considerable' fine by Ajax because of his 'elbow' in the Groningen match. Zlatan was tackled about his conduct by Ajax and according to coach Adriaanse, Zlatan took this very seriously.

BTW: this is what Zlatan said earlier about the incident: "What you can see on the television is that I went up to head the ball and tried to get away from my marker, it wasn't more than that," (OneFootball)

-- Anonymous, October 08, 2001


Hey Andreas, don't be so offensive. We all *love* Zlatan! And we don't have to sell him to a good team, cuz he is already with a good team! Ajax did a good job in buying Zlatan, Mido, Maxwell and Trabelsi, this season. Great purchases. I'm very proud of having Zlatan in our team and you should be very proud about Zlatan playing for Ajax...

-- Anonymous, October 08, 2001

Zlatan did an excellent game yesterday for Sweden! In 30 minutes he did more for the team than anyone did in 90 minutes!!!

If you are so angry about his elbow, then probably you sholdn´t have him in your team! That´s just ZLATAN! If you can´t take that little downside to Zlatan, the you shuldn´t have the benefits of him either!!!

PLEASE sell him to a better team, he deserves it!!!

-- Anonymous, October 08, 2001


Jakob wrote: "Hi again...I'm looking for a video with the feint Zlatan did against Liverpool in the corner...and i wondered if anybody could help me find it!!!"

Jakob, try this. I was told that his action against Liverpool must be there somewhere. (I didn't check it myself, cuz I don't have RealPlayer at the moment)

-- Anonymous, October 08, 2001


Way to go Zlatan!

A goal for Sweden, in their WC qualifier against Azerbaidzjan (3-0). Zlatan was brought into the team in the 66th minute and scored the 3- 0 only three minutes later (that's almost exactly the scenario of his goal at Feyenoord...). I believe this was his first goal for the Swedish national team.

-- Anonymous, October 07, 2001


Actually, I believe it was an elbow to the back of Schoenmakers' head -- which makes it worse because Schoenmakers couldn't possibly defend himself, and you also have to question Zlatan's intentions even further. If two guys are face to face, and one guy throws an elbow, you at least wonder, "Did this guy say something to him, or was he preparing to strike? Was this self defense?" In Zlatan's case, it just looks vicious and unjustified on the spot.

-- Anonymous, October 05, 2001

I'm sure Zlatan has learned a lesson from all thid already...please visit my Zlatan Fanzone instead! www.zlatanfanzone.cjb.net

-- Anonymous, October 05, 2001

It's very simple to describe it objectively... He simply hit his defender in the face with his elbow after only three minutes into the game. Very, very nasty indeed. The ref didn't see it, but it was definitely worth a red card. Actually, he did the same thing a few days earlier, in Cyprus - and got away with it. Bad habit. A skillful, gracious player like Zlatan doesn't need that.

I'm sure he'll be suspended for two or three games...

-- Anonymous, October 05, 2001


What on earth is all this stuff about. Prosecutor investigates Zlatan foul?!? What did the guy do? Can anyone objectively describe what actually happened?

-- Anonymous, October 04, 2001

I assume a lot of you have seen Zlatan's nasty little elbow flash last Sunday? Well,here you go...

"KNVB PROSECUTOR INVESTIGATES ZLATAN ACTION

The KNVB's professional football prosecutor hast started a preliminary investigation of the foul committed by Zlatan Ibrahimovic against FC Groningen defender, Melchior Schoenmakers, during FC Groningen vs Ajax on Sunday, 30 September.

Referee, Dick Jol, did not notice the incident and did, therefore, not take appropriate action. The KNVB prosecutor decided to investigate the case, after having examined the video footage of the incident. The parties involved can file their official reactions until 08 October." (Source: Ajax.nl)

This does not come as a surprise, obviously. Zlatan's fucked for two or three games - that's for sure (and I'm afraid he deserves it).

-- Anonymous, October 02, 2001


Here's a little something about Mr. ZZZZZZlatan, from Ajax Netwerk:

"Zlatan's achievements at Ajax did not stay unnoticed in Sweden. The Swedish Ajax striker was selected by the Swedish first national team, after having played the latest games for the under-21s. Sweden will play Azerbaidzjan on 7 October.

There's a lot of talk about Zlatan in Sweden anyway, these days. He said he wants to stay with Ajax the upcoming years, but there are rumors in Sweden about AS Roma being interested in Ajax' tall Swede. A few weeks ago the story was that AC Milan and Inter wanted to buy Zlatan."

Well - congrats to Zlatan for returning to the national team. Could be his fourth game for Sweden, if I remember it correctly. Good stuff. Regarding the Italy rumors: I don't give a sh*t about those rumors. It's always the same: pure name-dropping. Absolutely not interesting.

-- Anonymous, September 26, 2001


Hi again...I'm looking for a video with the feint Zlatan did against Liverpool in the corner...and i wondered if anybody could help me find it!!!

-- Anonymous, September 21, 2001

Hello!! I've made a Alatan fansite, check it out!! www.zlatanfanzone.cjb.net

-- Anonymous, September 21, 2001

Is it just me or does that last post make no sense at all?

-- Anonymous, September 20, 2001

So what if Zlatan was born in Sweden? He may be swedish citizen, he may have lived in Sweden and that is it. When it all comes around he is still BOSNIAN!! The same think I could say for Zlatan Muslimovic who plays now for FC Udinese.

-- Anonymous, September 20, 2001

About Dan's question of buying an Ajax shirt from abroad: unfortunately it is not (yet...) possible to buy Ajax merchandise via the internet if you're living outside the Netherlands. Here's what ajax.nl says about it: "Fans outside the Netherlands have to wait until we have finished our extensive online Ajax Shop. The full range of our assortment will be offered then."

Ajax is usually not so very fast in organizing these kind of things, so I'm afraid this can take a while. You'd better come and visit an Ajax game and buy a Zlatan Shirt in the gift shop. Even a nicer idea! You're absolutely welcome in our beautiful Amsterdam!

-- Anonymous, September 18, 2001


Funny Dan, you're not the first one who mentioned that. Two months ago Pieter van den Hoogeband was asked something about his biggest rival Ian Thorpe. He said: "I think he looks a lot like the new Swedish striker Ajax has bought..."

Hahaha...funny, cause it's quite true!

-- Anonymous, September 18, 2001


I've made my own Zlatan fansite...please check it out http://www.zlatanfanzone.cjb.net

-- Anonymous, September 18, 2001

Well i think Zlatan looks more like "IAN THORPE" if you think about it...

By the way , Do anyone here know where i can buy the AJAX SHIRT with number 9 and ZLATAN on it...

-- Anonymous, September 15, 2001


A good promise for the future! he has to prove himself though, without the help of boschker.

-- Anonymous, September 14, 2001

Zlatan is a great player 4 Ajax

-- Anonymous, September 12, 2001

What a drag to hear a bosnians say "he's not swedish". I've lived in Sweden for nine years(i'm from Bosnia too) and I can say with open heard that I love Sweden. And I understand Zlatan when he turned down Bosnian national team. He's born in Sweden, he lived in Sweden his whole life, he's a Swedish. I'm proud that he wears bosnian name, and I'm proud that he wears swedish u21 dress....

-- Anonymous, September 09, 2001

I have a confession to make...I'm in love with Zlatan. I know he's got a girlfriend, don't think I missed that golden ring on his left hand. But he's just soo great! He's so talanted, not to mention his attitude and that big smile of his! Oh... I saw him play in Sweden once, he was great off course, and I just fell in love! Right now my biggest wish is that I will se him play for Sweden in the world championships next summer. (Please come home Zlatan!) Oh, and don't tell my boyfriend...he might not like it!

-- Anonymous, September 09, 2001

Wow. It's almost 1 in the morning, and I *just* realized something amazing. Zlatan is a dead ringer (look-alike) for Zeppo Marx. It's true! Here's a picture from The Cocoanuts; Zeppo is on the far-left.

-- Anonymous, September 09, 2001

Hi i'm from sweden...you guys just wait until next years WORLD CUP...i believe Zlatan will have his major breakthrough in that tournament...currently our national team only have 2 good goalscorers MARCUS ALLBÄCK (heerenveen) and HENRIK LARSSON (caltic)...Zlatan will become the next Maradona...his teqnique is fantastic...=)

-- Anonymous, September 08, 2001

Played two games for Young Sweden this week - scored a goal in both of them. Zlatan's getting the feeling!

-- Anonymous, September 07, 2001

I JUST LOVE ZLATAN, HE`S SO QUTE, NICE, A GREAT FOTBOLLPLAYER AND EVERYTHING!!!!

*Hugs Mimmi*

-- Anonymous, September 05, 2001


Jesper, and other antagonists, the comments about the remark Zlatan made about his goal against Feyenoord summarizes one of the most vital parts of mine and others fascination with big Z. His attitude, his quick remarks combined with his excellnt footballing skills make him unique. The fact that a 19 year old is not as good as the 27 year olds (or so) Larsson and Allbäck (to name two Swedes with Dutch background). True Zlatan is not a typical goal-getter. True, he does not always bring the happiest mood on the pitch, but nevertheless he has a charisma most footballers only dream about. He's different and to me that is what makes hims worth millions.

Some of the non-Swedes might wonder why this is an issue at all. Swedish team sports have always been guided by the notion of team spirit and that a chain is never stronger than its weakest link. This is also the reason why the Swedish national team play really boring football. Now, here comes a teen-ager with attitude, who instead of thanking his coach and teammates for letting him have the chance to play football says; I love Ronaldo, one day I'll be better than him. Of course there will be a havoc in the country where we have been taught never to stand out. I do hope the good people of Amsterdam cherish this young man more than the Swedish oligarchs.

And mark my words, Zlatan will be the best since Bosse Larsson.

-- Anonymous, August 28, 2001


Give him time and he'll produce goals. It took Henrik Larsson (Celtic) a couple of years before he became the powerstrike he is now. Zlatan has the talent AND the attitude to become a great player. He got his goal yesterday, maybe he'll get some more time now. Hopefully we'll see him for the full 90 minutes the next time. You can't score if you'r not on the field, right? ;)

-- Anonymous, August 27, 2001

Yesh. Especially that little cynical grin after he'd made that remark... Absolutely great. Zlatan has this irresistable, slightly arrogant coolness. He also comes across as a bit of a gangster.

Great. I like him.

-- Anonymous, August 27, 2001


Journalist after the match:
- Zlatan, is this your strength, to be always on the right position to score...?

Zlatan:
- Errr...no, It was just luck...

Hahaha, great guy. I like him already!

-- Anonymous, August 27, 2001


He scored!!!

let's hope it continues...

-- Anonymous, August 26, 2001


Hansen > In Sweden, people have been expecting that for a long time and have been waiting for a couple of years now. When will we see him perform?

-- Anonymous, August 24, 2001

zlatan ibrahimovic is one of the most talented players i have seen.he is young and skillful.i wonder how his counterpart zlatan muslimovic plays.all zlatan fans get ready to see him perform on the world stage!

-- Anonymous, August 23, 2001

Johan> Sure, I might be concentrating a bit to much on his goalscoringcapacity, but in all honesty, Malmö FF is still playing at the same level as when he was there. The first 8 matches (while Z was there gave MFF 13 pts. The last 8 (w/o Z) MFF has gained 11pts and still have the goldmedal in sight.

Z's capacity as a playmaker could also be put into question. I only saw one game with Z (the premiergame vs. AIK in April) and he was very far from as good as the media claimed he was. He was fairly average and he was very lucky to score the two goals of the match. After the first game, slowly media came to realise that Z was not as fantastic as they had first made him out to be and in many of the last 4-5 matches he got rather mediocre remarks from the press. As I did not see the matches myself I can't really argue about his performance in the latter part of his swedish season, but I can say I was not surprised about his poor "grades" from newspapers and other press in Sweden.

-- Anonymous, August 23, 2001


Jesper, you seem to judge Zlatan only on goals made by him. In Malmo FF he played more of a role of playermaker, and you can see how important he was to Malmo now that he has left. I believe he will score an average amount of goals, but I also believe he will contribute will a whole lot of other important things.

-- Anonymous, August 22, 2001

Yes, he came in very late and I thought he looked good. It's a terrible situation to try to show anything, needing two goals in the final minutes away from home. I would certainly like to see him get a start against Feyenoord.

-- Anonymous, August 22, 2001

Did Zlatan play today?

-- Anonymous, August 22, 2001

Okay, so it's a matter of semantics and misunderstood intentions. Again, no harm = no foul. :-)

Let's hope Zlatan fulfills his potential and leads Ajax to the league title.

-- Anonymous, August 22, 2001


Ha ha ha, way to go Jim... Just want to say: Zlatan will be best and he will stay in Ajax!!!!!

-- Anonymous, August 22, 2001

Jim, If I'd said "all you dutch people can be happy"... then I would have agreed on what you said but now I said "all you dutch people who deson't like Zlatan" and that is NOT placing all dutch under one behaviour!!

???

-- Anonymous, August 22, 2001


Yea yea yea... I've never heard of the other rumours but Inter was obviously interested! I believed this source when Real signed Zidane and it turned out to be right. But now Moratti says there will be no more transfers for now so perhaps they'll buy Zlatan at a later stage? I think that would be nice for him, Co doesn't seem to live up to the expectations of the "dutch soccer-school".

-- Anonymous, August 22, 2001

We Amur'cans learned from Ross Perot to be suspicious of anyone who uses the phrase "you ... people" as if we/they can be grouped into behavior, beliefs by their geography. There are as many opinions among the Dutch about Zlatan as there are Dutch people with opinions. Which, last I checked, was more than one. ;-)

An Italian team interested in an Ajax player!? It'll never happen. :-P

-- Anonymous, August 21, 2001


>Martin As is Arsenal, FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, Man. Utd, Lazio, PSG, Valencia and 200 other clubs if you are to believe all the rumours... IF you really do believe all the rumours, all these clubs are just on the virge of signing some 30-40 players each...

-- Anonymous, August 21, 2001

All you dutch people who doesn't like Zlatan can feel happy, italian rumours says that Inter is interested in signing him! THEN he would meet top-quality opponents!!

-- Anonymous, August 21, 2001

Just a little not to correct myself in the above message: "So they raised the coach to the skies when "he" bought AJAX", should obviously not be AJAX, but Zlatan. Sorry!

-- Anonymous, August 20, 2001

Hi Menno You are right about the playing time he has had with AJAX against the better teams you have played. I've not yet seen any game with Z in AJAX so all I have to contribute in this matter is from hearsay, which indicates that he was just as lousy as you described him in the Milan match. He's also missed one or two golden opportunities to score against Milan and/or Liverpool.

The Swedes that are crazy about Zlatan were/are(?) completely oblivious to the enourmous sum of money that AJAX have spent on "Z" and believes that it was completely justified. I still wonder... The Swedish "Z-fanclub" claimed that a coach like AJAX' and a club like AJAX would never spend so much money on a player that was NOT as fantastic as they (probably) still think he is. So they raised the coach to the skies when "he" bought AJAX, I know wonder if they think that he is as brilliant, when he has realised(?) that Z is not yet ready for the big matches.

His most fanatical fans in Sweden firmly believes that Z will win the scoring league in AJAX and indeed the whole Dutch league. "25-30 goals is not unconceivable", they say... Personally I have always doubted whether he would get to play 25-30 matches...

Let's see if he will get some more playing time in the matches to come. But I am quite convinced that your coach has benched Z for a reason...

-- Anonymous, August 20, 2001


Hi Jesper,

What you write seems to make sense, but I'd like to point out one thing. You wrote: "While playing for Ajax he hasn't scored a goal against decent opposition."

That's true, but I'd like to add that Co hardly offered him enough playing time against decent opposition to do so. He got to play the full game against AC Milan, in which he had a complete off day, like the rest of the team.

After that, he was subbed against Liverpool (after an hour) and he was not in the team against Celtic and Roda JC. I think Co is to blame for that. He's played with Zlatan throughout the preparation campaign - and now leaves him out. I wonder why.

Zlatan has scored a lot of goals in pre-season. Against amateurs, yes, but then again: he scored loads of goals (significantly more than the other strikers, who were playing against the same amateurs). What more can you do? He had a fine, if not really good preparation period.

Then the 'decent opposition' came. He didn't score against Liverpool, but did show some magic. So, basically, one bad game against decent opposition (AC Milan) has cost him his place in the line-up (he hasn't been in the starting line-up since), which I think is a weird decision by Co. Why preparing your team with Zlatan, and leave him out so easily once the real job has started?

I can only judge Zlatan based on the things he did for Ajax so far. I liked what I saw. Even yesterday, I think he brought more in those crappy seven minutes than Arveladze did in the whole game.

-- Anonymous, August 20, 2001


I see that some of you Swedish people that worship Z is present at this forum. What is it exactly, according to you, that Zlatan has done that is so bl**dy impressive?!? While playing for Ajax he hasn't scored a goal against decent opposition. In Malmö FF, this season he only scored three goals in 10 matches (out of which two were in the first match of the year, which were gifts from the other team). In the national team, he's only been given one chance and unfortunatly he blew it, so he has not yet been given another opportunity. In the U21 team "junior team", he has been more succesfull with 4 goals in 4 appearances. But then again, the opposition is not very strong, just like when he played in the Swedish second division. When is he going to show that he can be useful against tougher opposition? The guys going to be 20 yrs old in a few weeks and there are plenty of talented players that have scored lots of goals against good teams before the age of 20, why can't "your wonder boy" Zlatan do that too? Or is it simply so that he isn't as talented as everyone claimed that he was in the first place?

-- Anonymous, August 20, 2001

Zlatan is the best player in the world!! I Love You Zlatan!! //Hjalle from Sweden

-- Anonymous, August 20, 2001

There was an interview with Fredrik Berglund, recently signed to Roda, and he said that all the players in his team were frighten of Ibrahimovic before the game. They talked a lot to each other about the dribbles he did against Liverpool so they actually felt an relief when they heard he wasn't in the starting lineup. That's cool!

-- Anonymous, August 20, 2001

Many Swedes have gone crazy about Zlatan, but a few, like myself is still waiting for him to contribute in important matches. When he played in the Swedish 2nd highest division with Malmö FF he scored quite a few goals. I believe he was the 3rd best striker in the "2nd division" (Superettan) that year. But he also played in one of the two teams that were f a r better than all the others. This season, when Malmö FF was back in the top division (Allsvenskan), he only scored 3 goals in about 10 matches. He was also sent off in one or two matches and got yellow cards left, right and center. He's been very useful in the U-21 national team, scoring many goals and being very creative. However, he also played an A-cap for Sweden, and produced virtually nothing in 45 minutes. In AJAX, so far, he's scored dozens of goals against (pardon my French) crappy amateur teams. When the opponents have been stronger, like in the matches against Roma, Liverpool, Celtic (did he play?) and Milan he has been "goalless" in every game. Summary: Zlatan has been: - (very) useful in the Swedish second division - not so useful in the Swedish premier league - (quite) useful in the Swedish U21 national team - not at all useful in the Swedish national team (only 1 try so far though) - very useful in AJAX against amateur teams - not so useful in AJAX against "proper" opponents

Is it really that impressive? Doesn't he still have a lot to prove? I've only seen him in one game and in this game he scored 2 out of the 3 goals he scored in the Swedish premier league this season. Still, he was NOT good. One of the goals I would qualify as an own goal by the keeper and the other was a gift from the opponents defence, which you would not normally see in a game against a qualified opponent. He has got talent, no doubt about it, but he was not worthy of the massive media "hysteria" that was going on in Sweden during the first rounds of this season (in Sweden). To me, he is just a talented young player, not much more and he has got a LOT to prove. 80 million SEK (Swedish Krona) was his price tag, and I suppose that AJAX didn't buy him only to score goals against Theole and SV Vaassen...

-- Anonymous, August 19, 2001


noone is arguing. he is born in sweden, has lived all his life in sweden and plays for sweden, if it is anyone who is arguing its the bosnians

-- Anonymous, August 15, 2001

You Swedish people are pathetic, arguing whether he is Swedish or Bosnian. He is an Ajaccied, and that's all that counts!!!

-- Anonymous, August 14, 2001

Zlatan is a so many techniques...maybe nxt nxt yr he will going to crown the striker of the year.

-- Anonymous, August 13, 2001

i,m just wondering what zlatan´s officiall hompage adress is? please send it to me.

-- Anonymous, August 11, 2001

A norwegian sportscommentator said that the Zlatan dribbling against Liverpool was one of the fourth biggest sporthappenings alltime!

-- Anonymous, August 10, 2001

His father is bosnian and mother croatian...just so you know.... sorry that ajax lost against Celtic (1-3) now we wont see him in CL, oh well, Uefa cup isnt that bad either....

-- Anonymous, August 08, 2001

...zlatan must be one of the greatest talents of all time in technique...never seen anything like the things he does sometimes (at least not from an swedish player since "nacka" :) )...the only negative thing is like someone wrote his inability too score "easy" goals...but anyway ajax have probably got themselves a player that probably will be at least the best swedish player in ajax ever (overshining one of mine own old favorites stefan pettersson...)...an incredible player he is that zlatan...

-- Anonymous, August 07, 2001

I saw the matches against AC Milan and Liverpool. I must say I have never ever seen such technique of dribbling in combination with such speed and charisma as ZLATAN! Last year I saw a lot of Milan-matches and I was really impressed by Maldini being so good still. My thought then was: "He must still be one of the greatest defenders around..." NOW: ZLATAN dribbles his sorry a-s up to the highest stands. And then the feint against Henchoz.....DUH! One of the greatest moves ever made!!! Now he just have to score against those big teams and he's really the best player in the world. GO ZLATAN!

-- Anonymous, August 07, 2001

zlatan have so many techniques...just find out if he is going to shine in Champions League competition..

-- Anonymous, August 07, 2001

Although Zlatan possess an excellent talent we have some more youngsters in Sweden who also look very promising.

Kim Källström, Häcken(! Will be the best !) Bojan Djordic, Man UTD Alexander Farnerud, Landskrona Pontus Farnerud, Monaco ...

-- Anonymous, August 07, 2001


One importent thing that Zlatan must improve is his heading. Even though he is tall he sucks in the air. He almost never scores with his head. Another problem is that he so far hasn't proved himself as a really great goalscorer. He scores goals but mainly because of his incredible skills, he doesn't score a lot of easy goals if you know what I mean. Since he is a striker those sort of goals are pretty important. But I think his talent will allow him to learn both things and become one of the best strikers in Europe.

-- Anonymous, August 06, 2001

In the words of an old James Bond song," Nobody does it better" ...especially in english...than AJAX-USA.com Johan, if you combine AJAX-USA with Fox Sports World for the games, you should be good to go.

-- Anonymous, August 05, 2001

Hi! I'm a huge fan of Zlatan, and I just moved to the States, I have trouble finding a good website where I can easily follow his career, do anyone know any good websites? Please email me if you do! thanks!

-- Anonymous, August 04, 2001

I've seen Zlatan play in three Ajax matches now. I saw him playing against AC Milan, Liverpool and Rijnsburgse Boys. He still has a lot to learn. However, with his talent he can really become a world class top player. I just love the way he plays, making fun of the best defenders in the world, ha ha. His technique is absolutely incredible! He was playing for Malmo when he was 12 years old. He grew up in a really poor neighbourhood and has been playing soccer on the streets for a long time. No wonder his technique is so awesome. That's where you learn to play soccer, on the streets! I hope he will score some goals against Celtic FC on august the 8th. I'm also really lucky to have his signature on my shirt since I met him at the open day of Ajax! He's definitely gonna make it here!

A big AJAX and ZLATAN fan!

-- Anonymous, August 04, 2001


"Ronaldo", if Zlatan would have been raised in Bosnia instead of Sweden he would probably not be in Ajax by now (have you even followed the development in Bosnia in the last, say, ten years?). Why can't you just be happy that he was raised in Sweden and trained to become the great player we all know he is?

-- Anonymous, August 02, 2001

Well, seeing as HE IS BORN IN SWEDEN and has LIVED ALL HIS LIFE IN SWEDEN, I'll take a long shot and say that he has learned to play football in Sweden..

-- Anonymous, July 31, 2001

What you mean "just playing for sweden"?? Where did he learn to play football?

-- Anonymous, July 31, 2001

Zlatan is from Bosnia he is just playing for the swedish team his mom and dad is from Bosnia he has ha Bosnish namn tell me i s Zlatan Ibrahimovic a swedish name opps it Bosnish

-- Anonymous, July 30, 2001

It's true that his mother or father is bosnian (I don't remember who), but he is born in Malmö, Sweden and as far as I know he's lived there all his life

-- Anonymous, July 30, 2001

I live in sweden but I am from Bosnia! And so is Zlatan!!!! Zlatan is a great player and i really belive that he will become the best player in the world, when he is 23-27!!! Just wait and see! Did you see what he did whit Maldini!!! OOhhh man....Zlatan rules

-- Anonymous, July 29, 2001

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is the most talented player i've ever seen. And he's from Sweden. I wish him all luck in his new team. There is only one zlatan!

-- Anonymous, July 29, 2001

So, no goals yet for Zlatan, but after a disappointing performance against Milan he showed us what he can do yesterday, against Liverpool. Jeezz... he had some absolutely tremendous movements and runs, making two, three Liverpool defenders look like complete morons. Amazing, how fast he can run away from his opponent in a very small space. At this one moment, he was be trapped in the corner with two defenders in front of him. And then at once, before you could even see what was happening, he had this movement, lifted the ball with his foot, made a body movement and BANG... he was gone, leaving his defenders behind, and he was on his way to the goal, running along the goal line... Stunning. Absolutely stunning.

-- Anonymous, July 29, 2001

If you saw Zlatan playing for Malmö he was a very talented player even when he was playing in the Division 1 he Kicked ass he scored every fucking game and when Malmö advanced upp to the highest swedish league he scored 2 goals against the swedish champions Aik After that they Called him "Zuper-Zlatan" I personally think Zlatan has got talent and I think he developes better by being a first team regular in Ajax than going to Juventus or Man U

//Johan Franklin

-- Anonymous, July 28, 2001


What all of you dont know is that there are many players in Sweden that has the ballcontroll and the technique as Zlatan, but the thing about Zlatan is that he has the strenght and that he is very tall so he complements all very good!

-- Anonymous, July 28, 2001

jag säger bara zlatan han kommer att smiska som fan han är den goaste spelare som finns fan vad jag älskar han!!!!

-- Anonymous, July 27, 2001

ajax is always going for the title!!!! but sometimes... well you have seen it last year. feyenoord got pi-air but we got raphaël van der vaart. and offcourse all the new people. i am a netherlander and i proud because we got ajax .

-- Anonymous, July 27, 2001

I live in Scotland and came accross Zlatan while watching Sky TV. He has everything a forward needs and at £5.5million he is a bargain in todays transfer market ie Van Nistelrooy to Man U for £19million! Ajax for the title!

-- Anonymous, July 25, 2001

No matter how weak the opponents have been so far, 19 goals in 6 games is still absolutely amazing. I mean: not one other strikers even got as far as ten. More important than his goals is his play: I really, REALLY enjoyed watching him. He's extremely charismatic and has this 'no-one-is-gonna-fuck-with-me' aura.

Same goes for Mido, by the way, although we've hardly seen him play so far (he was on the road with Egypt). These were exactly the guys we needed.

-- Anonymous, July 24, 2001


Zlatan has talent alright - great skills on the ball and he is able to deliver fantastic passes aswell, and it seems he has got more of his feet on the earth now after the move to Ajax. He will surely provide very useful for Ajax, and in the future, for the Swedish national team! He could very well be competing with Herenveen's Marcus Allbäck or Celtic FC's Henrik Larsson as starting strikers in the national team within the year, and I would be suprised if he is not a part of the 2002 World Cup squad, unless something unpredictable like a seriois injury happens. I wish him all luck in Ajax.

-- Anonymous, July 20, 2001

Well, we didn´t call him "Zuper-Zlatan" for no reason when he played here, in Malmoe!!! Once again, he´s fantastic with a football and if you have the possibility to see him in action - DO IT!!!

-- Anonymous, July 18, 2001

Zlatan scored 14 out of the 34 Ajax goals (so far in the friendly games)...what a guy!

-- Anonymous, July 17, 2001

Well i'm pretty curious to see how he will be doing. I may have some news also. I was a guide recently during a tournament here in Holland. I guided Malmo FF throughout the Tournament (where they lost against Ajax in the Final) and talked with the coaches. I of course asked them their ears of about Zlatan, and they told me he could do anything with a ball. Well this was no news to me, they also told me about his attitude, well and that wasn't any news either. But than they said, that because of his attitude, Zlatan was allowed to leave for 30 Million Swedish Krones, but that they actually sold him for 90 Million Krones! although, if he really is that good, he'll be worth every penny....

Ooh yeah by the way. I saw somebody write that Chivu had a reputation as a card taker and so on. As far as i can remember Chivu never got a red card (in professional soccer) in his career before he joined Ajax. So there is no possible way he could already have this reputation. It's true, he got several cards during his starting period, but according to himself (see Ajax the Movie) this was all bad luck. Thank god this bad luck is gone, now just hope his injuries also disappear. See you @ll.

Ben

-- Anonymous, July 16, 2001


Zlatan is cool: When he was asked if he had bought any gift for his girlfriend when they got engaged he answered: "Gift? She's got Zlatan!"

-- Anonymous, July 16, 2001

I'm from Malmö, Zlatans hometown and I've seen many matches with him, and I have to say, he's the most talented player I've ever seen. He can do anything with a ball and he's a natural striker. I promise all of you ajax fans, he's well worth the money ajax paid for him! //John, Malmö, Sweden

-- Anonymous, July 14, 2001

Several first impressions of Zlatan Ibrahimovic the player. I am impressed with his fitness level. While Ibrahimovic may be playing against minnows thus far, he did just finish at least a partial campaign in Sweden before beginning his career with AJAX. I look forward to seeing him pair up with Mido and the explosive Ikedia or almost equally explosive van der Gun. Speed kills. Size and speed together,even better.

I think his o solo mio skills are important.In the Eredivisie, if a striker can't take on a defender and beat him; he is on the next bus to nowhere. I think that he will gradually become less individualist in his play as he btter learns the system and his teammates. Co will see to that.Amsterdam wasn't built in a day. Nor is a complete AJACIED.Not even a multi-million dollar one.

He is said to be temperamental.His sendings off have received attention on soccer sites around the world.Two words: Cristian Chivu.Cristian Chivu had a reputation for bookings and temperament. He has come a long way under Co's tutelage. And through a general maturation common in 19 and 20 year olds. I have a feeling Co is working damn hard to keep his investment's energies channeled properly. It appears we are already seeing the first fruit born of the efforts of player and coach. I think there is lots more to come.

-- Anonymous, July 13, 2001


Zlatan is pretty down to earth in his interviews. When an interviewer compared him with Marco van Basten he said: "Van Basten was ten times better than me". But I don't mind if he has an attitude. Ajax needs players like that now.

-- Anonymous, July 13, 2001

You haven't seen it all. Zlatan is one of the most talanted players I have ever seen. He can do anything with the ball. I wonder, what's his attitude in media in Holland? Is it like he thinks he is one of the best players in the world or is he more down to earth? Here in Sweden, He had an attitude that bothered many people. They said that they wouldn't stand him in Ajax and that his self-confidence would go down quite a bit. I'm a huge fan of Zlatan and I loved when he had an attitude. My personal opinion is that he will lead Ajax to the league- victory this season. Please contact me, if you like. Peace. // Jocke, Malmö, Sweden

-- Anonymous, July 13, 2001

Can´t wait to see how he´ll handle himself when the real fun begins.. :) he´s goin to KICK ass..!

-- Anonymous, July 12, 2001

Moderation questions? read the FAQ