Zlatan Delights In Jordan's Leadership
Zlatan Ibrahimovic says Michal Jordan documentary shows what it takes to play "with a winner"
Count Zlatan Ibrahimovic among those who approve of Chicago Bulls great Michael Jordan's confrontational leadership style.
ESPN's docuseries 'The Last Dance', which looks at the 1997-98 Bulls team that three-peated, shone a spotlight on Jordan's treatment of team-mates in one of the recent episodes.
He revealed how he came to blows with current Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr during practice and used tough love to try and coax the best out of Scott Burrell.
"Winning has a price and leadership has a price," a choked-up Jordan said at the end of episode seven.
"I pulled people along when they didn't want to be pulled. I challenged people when they didn't want to be challenged.
"I earned that right because my team-mates came after me. They didn't endure all the things that I endured.
"Once you join the team you live at a certain standard that I play the game, and I wasn't going to take anything less."
That struck a chord with brash striker Ibrahimovic.
"Nice to see The Last Dance," he wrote on Twitter.
"Now you see how it is to play with a winner. Either you like it or not. If not then don't play the game."
Ibrahimovic is currently at Milan and has received praise from head coach Stefano Pioli, who likened his work ethic to that of 20-time grand slam winner Roger Federer.
However, the Swede has also been known to clash with former coaches and team-mates.
During his time in MLS with LA Galaxy, Joao Pedro said Ibrahimovic threatened to "kill" players following a loss to Houston Dynamo.
Sebastian Lletget also said it was "super frustrating" playing with Ibrahimovic at the Galaxy.
