Valverde: Ibrahimovic does incredible things

Feb 12, 2013 9:35:00 AM

The 49-year-old coach has nothing but respect for the former AC Milan star, but is high on confidence ahead of Tuesday's match

Valencia coach Ernesto Valverde has singled out Zlatan Ibrahimovic as Paris Saint-Germain's main attacking threat ahead of the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie.

Valverde has nothing but praise for the Sweden international, and has stressed that his defenders will have to be on top of their game if they are to keep the striker quiet.

"Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a great player and we have to take him into account, not just Adil Rami but the whole defence," Valverde stated at a press conference.

"He does incredible things and he's a good scorer; he comes down to defend if the team needs him. This isn't just a job for Rami, but for the whole team."

The 49-year-old then went on to stress that Valencia are brimming with confidence ahead of Tuesday's encounter at Mestalla.

"We're doing well right now. We're high on confidence and this match offers us opportunities that we must make the most of.

"We want to get through to the round of 16. We want to win and qualify for the next round; we are here for victory, that's our intention."