Zlatan Ibrahimovic likened himself to a Ferrari amid a sea of Fiats in MLS this week, and he's not budging on that stance.
ESPN interviewed both the LA Galaxy superstar and LAFC star Carlos Vela prior to kickoff of El Trafico, between the two Los Angeles clubs at Dignity Health Sports Park on Friday, and the players' comments were a study in contrasts.
Ibrahimovic insisted he was better than "the whole league, not only Vela" in reiterating comments made during the week about the Mexican, the Landon Donovan MVP frontrunner this season.
When asked if he was worried his words may have motivated Vela, Ibrahimovic responded confidently, "I hope."
For his part, Vela was focused on the game, shrugging off personal comparisons.
"We are ready to fight, we are ready to win this game and I hope we can take the three points," he said.
But Vela did say he believed he has been the best player in MLS this season.
"I think so, but I think the important part is coming so I have to finish the same or better, and I hope I can take the MVP and the championship."
The players traded goals, with Vela scoring first and last, but Ibrahimovic scoring three in the middle to deliver the Galaxy a 3-2 win on the night.
