Monaco midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko believes that Ligue 1 teams are more confident against Paris Saint-Germain following the departure of Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
The 22-year-old, who was part of the Monaco side to beat PSG 3-1 last weekend, believes that whilst they still have a great striker in Edinson Cavani, other teams are more confident of winning due to the big Swede’s departure.
The French champions have also been hit by the departure of centre-back David Luiz who rejoined his former club Chelsea on deadline day, and Bakayoko has claimed that teams will now have more space.
Speaking to goal.com the midfielder said, “This season, I hope we finish in the top two. There is the duel with Lyon, but I think this year we can get closer to PSG.
“Without Ibra, perhaps this is not the same team. While Cavani is one of the best strikers in the world, I think rivals are more confident and are convinced they can win.
“When Ibra is there, you know that it will be difficult, that you must not leave a single centimetre.”
Ibrahimovic has been a key figure at PSG, winning four consecutive league titles in his four seasons in the French capital.
The 34-year-old was in unstoppable season as he scored 38 goals and assisted a further 13 in just 31 league appearances.
The former Barcelona, Juventus, Inter Milan, Ajax and Malmo striker had been in fine form for Manchester United since his summer move to Old Trafford, scoring three goals in his opening three Premier League games under Jose Mourinho.
Ibrahimovic will get his first taste of the Manchester derby next weekend when his side host Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City to Old Trafford.
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