'We just had to upset Ibrahimovic' - Bayal reveals Saint-Etienne game plan during PSG scalp

Nov 4, 2012 10:20:00 AM

The centre-back explains les Verts had preplanned to frustrate the Swedish striker, whose miserable evening was compounded by a red card for a high kick on Stephane Ruffier

Saint-Etienne defender Moustapha Bayal Sall says he followed the instructions of his coach Christophe Galtier to "upset" Paris Saint-Germain's Zlatan Ibrahimovic on Saturday.

Les Verts proceeded to inflict a first league defeat of the season on the Ligue 1 leaders at the Parc des Princes, thanks to an own goal from Mamadou Sakho and a strike from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, with Guillaume Hoarau notching a consolation.

The hosts were down to 10 men after Ibrahimovic was shown a straight red card for a high kick on goalkeeper Stephane Ruffier - the Sweden international's 11th of his career - and, after the match, Bayal Sall insisted that it was his job to rile the striker.

"It was hard, but it went well. I followed the instructions of the coach. He [Ibrahimovic] was upset. I think it worked," the 26-year-old told RMC Sport.

"He was putting in nudges. He does not speak French, but I think there were insults on his part."

PSG turn their attentions to a Champions League home clash with Dinamo Zagreb on Tuesday.

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