LA Galaxy forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic has criticised the Major League Soccer playoffs system and labelled it as 's---.'
A change to the playoffs this year will see the top seven teams from the Western and Eastern Conferences competing for the MLS Cup.
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The new format consists of the top seed in each conference earning a bye to the second round, with the final taking place on Nov. 14. Ibrahimovic has questioned the system and said it is tough for players to remain competitive throughout the season.
"I think the system is s---," he told reporters in Los Angeles. "How can you learn mentality if you only have to reach the playoffs?
"You just need to win the playoffs, and that's it. The results in each game are important, but here, if you come in seventh place, you make the playoffs and win, you are champion.
"For me, the mentality is every day, training the way you train is the way you play a game, and with the MLS system, how do you create that mentality to be on your toes 24 hours? It's very difficult."
Ibrahimovic missed out on the playoffs in his debut campaign with the Galaxy last season.
The forward has scored 16 goals in 18 appearances this year, helping the Galaxy to fifth position in the Western Conference and on course for a playoff place.
The Galaxy will take on DC United at the Audi Field in their next match on Monday.