The Sweden striker is facing a lengthy ban for labelling France a "s**t" country but his boss wants him to focus on his football again
Paris Saint-Germain boss Laurent Blanc has called on Zlatan Ibrahimovic to put the controversy surrounding his anti-France rant behind him and prove himself a great champion again.
The Sweden international was caught on camera calling France a "s**t country" during an angry outburst towards the referee following last weekend's surprise Ligue 1 defeat at Bordeaux.
French Prime Minister Manuel Valls admitted that he was shocked by the striker's outburst, while National Front leader Marine Le Pen suggested the 33-year-old should go home.
Ibrahimovic apologised for his comments but he could yet be hit with a lengthy ban by the French Football Federation (FFF).
Blanc, however, felt there were mitigating factors involved and he is hoping that the former Inter and Barcelona ace will be allowed to concentrate solely on on-field matters for the remainder of the season.
"Zlatan has had a complicated season, between injuries and suspensions," the PSG boss told reporters on Thursday.
"The best thing for him to do now is to score goals. He must prove to those who think otherwise that he is a great champion."
Meanwhile, Blanc played down reports that PSG are on the verge of signing Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba, who has reportedly held preliminary talks with club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi over a summer switch to the Parc des Princes.
"I respect Paul Pogba," the World Cup winner said. "He is a great player with big potential.
"But they probably just met as two people do during a match."
Blanc and Pogba could meet in the Champions League, with both PSG and Juve in the hat for Friday's quarter-final draw in Nyon.
The former centre-half hinted that he would have no problem facing the Italian titleholders, suggesting that he simply wants to avoid facing La Liga leaders Barcelona, reigning European champions Real Madrid and 2013 winners Bayern Munich.
"I would love to avoid three teams," he added. "I think you guess who without any problems...
"But I think Paris has made a great impression on the Champions League by playing 90 minutes against Chelsea [in their last-16, second-leg clash at Stamford Bridge] with just 10 players.
"It was a great thing, but now the counters are reset and we have to start all over again."
Indeed, next up for PSG is a Ligue 1 meeting with Lorient at the Parc des Princes on Friday.
The defending champions go into the game second in the standings, six points clear of fourth-placed Monaco and two ahead of third-placed Marseille, but two adrift of leaders Lyon.
"Three or four clubs can still win the title: Ourselves, Lyon, Marseille and I also include Monaco," Blanc added.
"Lyon is best-placed to win the title but we are very motivated. We want to take three points especially after the defeat last weekend.
"We are not in the best position for the title and we can't afford any mistakes now.
"But we are determined to win a third consecutive title."
