Carlo Ancelotti praises Ibrahimovic

Carlo Ancelotti praises Ibrahimovic

Published Aug. 12, 2012 1:00 a.m. ET

Paris Saint-Germain manager Carlo Ancelotti has heaped praise on summer signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic after the Swedish striker's second half double rescued a point against Lorient.

An own goal from Maxwell and a Jeremie Aliadiere strike had put the visitors in control before the 30-year-old hit back midway through the second half before converting a last-gasp penalty.

And reflecting on their opening Ligue 1 game of the campaign, Ancelotti praised his side's attacking endeavours but acknowledged their defensive display was nowhere near good enough.

"We did not start the game well. We were not well balanced in the first period and the match then became difficult," he said. "Still, we played good football, not with a lot of speed of course, but we had many opportunities to score.

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"We have many new players and we must work. Defensively, we need to improve for a better balance.

"In the second half, I saw a Paris team with character. Ibrahimovic was fantastic, he helped the team.

"This match is a good experience for everyone. We work to build a competitive team. I'm not worried by this draw.

"The first match is always strange, we have improved in all areas. All was not perfect, but that's normal."

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