The Paris Saint-Germain coach has spoken with his
striker and although the Sweden international is disheartened by his
country's failure he is focused on club duties
Paris Saint-Germain coach Laurent Blanc has insisted Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been unaffected by his country's World Cup play-off defeat to Portugal and is in a good frame of mind heading into Ligue 1 action this weekend.
The striker scored two goals but was unable to prevent Sweden from slipping to a 4-2 aggregate defeat at the hands of the Seleccao, as Cristiano Ronaldo stole the show with a second leg hat-trick.
Ibrahimovic, 32, admits it might have been his last attempt to qualify for a World Cup, but Blanc insists that despite the disappointment, the attacker is fully focused on obtaining a victory for the league leaders against Reims on Saturday.
"I talked to him yesterday and his behaviour and his state of mind was very good, but I'm not here to talk about the sadness or joy of Zlatan or [France midfielder] Blaise [Matuidi]" he told reporters.
"He told me that he had lost to a very good Portugal team and that he had tried to make the most of the opportunity like his team-mates, but it didn't happen for them.
"Certainly he must be disappointed, but regarding his behaviour and state of mind, I find it very good. Honestly, I wish he qualified for the World Cup because I know what it is like."
Blanc's men are up against Reims, who have been a suprise package in Ligue 1 this season, finding themselves sixth and challenging for Europe.
The Champagne side beat PSG at home last season and les Parisiens' boss knows they will be in for a difficult encounter.
However, with Edinson Cavani only returning to the club on Friday following his play-off success with Uruguay, Blanc is confident that Ibrahimovic will demonstrate his class at the weekend.
"We must ensure we reach our targets and we will be very happy," he continued.
"Personal goals are very important - it will ease the disappointment of not going to Brazil. He was disappointed, but has a very good mind set and will prove it on Saturday."
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