Ibarbo: ‘Zeman like a father’

Victor Ibarbo is relishing a new stage of his Cagliari career with Zdenek Zeman. “He’s like a father.”

The Colombian international impressed at the World Cup and has always had astounding pace, but believes he is developing more this season.

Victor Ibarbo is relishing a new stage of his Cagliari career with Zdenek Zeman. “He’s like a father.”

The Colombian international impressed at the World Cup and has always had astounding pace, but believes he is developing more this season.

“Zeman is like a father. I want to grow up with him,” Ibarbo told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“I did not get a chance to do the full pre-season training, but I am in shape now and set myself no limits. I do what he asks me to and adapt to his style of football. It’s a style I really like.

“The Coach helps me so much to be more consistent over time. He wants me to play facing the goal, with the ball at my feet.

“I try to do my best, knowing full well that forwards have always hit new heights by following Zeman’s advice. I hope to be ever more useful to the Cagliari cause.”

Previous luminaries from the school of Zeman include Ciro Immobile, Lorenzo Insigne and Marco Verratti.

Cagliari visit Lazio on Monday at 20.00 GMT, click here for a match preview.