Jose Mourinho Should Stay as Chelsea F.C. Boss: Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Zlatan Ibrahimovic said Thursday he wants Jose Mourinho to still be in charge of Chelsea F.C. when Paris Saint-Germain play the English club in the UEFA Champions League knockout stage next year. (Chelsea F.C Board Reportedly Considering Jose Mourinho's Future in Club)

The Swedish striker added that he was surprised at seeing his former coach in such trouble - Chelsea have lost nine games, are 16th in the Premier League and there is speculation Mourinho is about to be sacked - but insisted that would not make PSG favourites when the two sides meet next February and March. (Leicester City F.C. Inflict More Misery on Jose Mourinho's Chelsea F.C)

"To play against Chelsea is not an easy game, even if they are struggling a little bit in their own competition," he said. (Zlatan Ibrahimovic Shines as Five-Star Paris Saint-Germain Punish Lyon to Extend Enormous Lead)

"We have respect for Chelsea and we do not underestimate Chelsea. They have great players and that experience from the Champions League from before and they have a good coach.

"I have to be honest, I haven't seen Mourinho in this situation where he's struggling," he added. "Normally... I am used to see him battling for the first and second place, so this is something new."

Asked if the Portuguese would still be in charge for the last 16 Champions League clash, he replied:"I don't really know how the situation is. I think it depends on the big boss, (Roman) Abramovich, what he wants. But I hope for Chelsea that he stays because we want to play against the best."

The difference with PSG, 17 points clear at the top of French Ligue 1 while Chelsea are only one point above the Premier League drop zone - is marked, but Ibrahimovic said that would not matter.

"The game doesn't have any favourite because we played two times before, I see that both teams as equal."

Ibrahimovic played under Mourinho at Inter Milan in 2008-09.