Ibrahimovic dismissed because of "reputation"

Paris Saint-Germain sporting director Leonardo claims Zlatan Ibrahimovic was only sent off against Valencia because of his standing in the game.



The Swedish striker appeared to become riled as he challenged with two Valencia players and went over the ball in a challenge with Andres Guardado, prompting referee Paolo Tagliavento to brandish the red card.



The dismissal came swiftly after Valencia pulled a goal back in stoppage time, having trailed 2-0, and the Spanish side will head to Paris in three weeks' time looking to make up a 2-1 deficit, with Ibrahimovic suspended.



Leonardo was asked if he regretted the late twist to the night's events.



"To concede a goal, that can happen due to fatigue for example," Leonardo said. "But the red card... I think Ibrahimovic pays for his reputation. If it was another player committing this foul, he wouldn't be sent off.



"Suddenly, there is a slight bitter feeling because of it."



Carlo Ancelotti's Ligue 1 leader had taken command at the Mestalla with first-half goals from Argentinian pair Ezequiel Lavezzi and Javier Pastore, with Valencia's late reply coming from Adil Rami.



"Even when you lead 2-0, it's not easy," Leonardo said.



The Brazilian former World Cup winner stressed it was worth remembering the progress PSG has made since Qatar Sports Investments took control of the club in 2011.



"It's only been a year and a half since QSI took over the club," he said, according to psg.fr.



"We are still in the construction phase. Our ambitions isn't only to win a match in the last 16 away from home. It's more than that.



"To win the Champions League? This year, I don't know. But after that ..."



Manager Ancelotti agreed with Leonardo's assessment of Ibrahimovic's dismissal.



"It wasn't deserved," he said. "I don't under stand it, it isn't fair."



Italian Ancelotti added: "We played a good match on a difficult pitch. There was quality and a good attitude. We will need to have this same attitude in the return match.



"We had a lot of chances to score and we defended very well. It's a very good performance even if we let in this goal at the end of the match."

Mourinho plays down PSG link

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has conceded defeat in the Primera Liga title race while distancing himself from the Paris Saint-Germain job.



The Portuguese faces an uncertain future at the Bernabeu as Real struggle to close a 15-point gap on league leaders Barcelona, with reports in Spain suggesting Mourinho is also at odds with several club directors and members of his playing staff.



The 49-year-old has been linked with a summer return to England, where he managed Chelsea to two Premier League titles, or a potential move to ambitious French outfit PSG.



An in-depth interview with Mourinho will be broadcast on French radio station RMC Sport this afternoon, but Spanish newspaper AS published several key points of discussion on their official website in advance.



Mourinho told RMC Sport: "The La Liga title is impossible now, there is too big a gap. We have to focus on other goals like the Copa del Rey and the Champions League."



"It does no good to obsess over these things, obsession only makes things more complicated. Nothing will be easy."



"We need to stay calm and make the most of every opportunity."



PSG have struggled to dominate Ligue 1 this season despite heavy investment in the playing squad, with star names Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Thiago Silva and Ezequiel Lavezzi being drafted in by head coach Carlo Ancelotti and director of football Leonardo.



Mourinho believes the capital club will prove to be a force to be reckoned with, both at home and abroad, but rejected suggestions he could replace Ancelotti in the summer.



"No, I don't think I will coach PSG," he added. "The success of PSG with Ancelotti and Leonardo means they have no need for another coach.



"I hope everything goes well for Carlo and PSG."



"Europe needs to have a city like Paris competing at the top level of football, and I think this project is going to work."



The Portuguese was also eager to play down his reputation as a controversial figure having drawn unwanted attention to himself on several occasions.



One such incident resulted in a two-match ban as Mourinho appeared to jab then-Barcelona assistant coach Tito Vilanova in the eye at the end of a Spanish Super Cup game in August 2011.



He added: "People talk about controversies that don't exist. Every day I hear about controversies concerning me but are unfounded."



"I am a football coach, I am just doing my job and trying to get good results."

Zlatan urges Beckham to snub QPR for PSG

David Beckham should forget about a return to the Premier League with QPR and sign for Paris Saint-Germain, according to Zlatan Ibrahimovic.



Former England captain Beckham will play his final game in Major League Soccer when LA Galaxy face Houston Dynamo in the MLS Cup final on December 1, after which he is on the lookout for "one final challenge".



Moves to the Australian A-League and links with West Ham and now QPR, following the appointment of Harry Redknapp as manager, have been suggested as possible destinations for the former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder, but Ibrahimovic believes Beckham would serve the French side's ambitious project well.



"I am sure there will be many offers for him from clubs all over the world, but it is a very exciting project here in Paris and if he still wants more trophies then this is the right club for him to join," Ibrahimovic said.



"We can win the Champions League over the next two seasons with the team that is being built."



Redknapp has also expressed his interest in bringing Beckham to Loftus Road, having invited him to train with Tottenham during the MLS off-season in January 2011.



"I worked with him at Tottenham when he came to train and he is top drawer. He was great," Redknapp said. "He's a top class professional and would be great to have around the place.



"He can set a fantastic example in terms of his approach to training, everything. He's not just a great player, but a great guy as well."