Madrid: Zlatan Ibrahimovic was left out of the Barcelona squad for Sunday's La Liga opener away to Racing Santander, as negotiations for his possible transfer to AC Milan continued.
"It's my decision," Barca coach Pep Guardiola told reporters on Saturday. "In a normal situation he would have travelled but with the way things are it's better not to call him up."
Relations between the Swedish striker and Guardiola have become strained after Ibrahimovic said this week he did not understand why the coach appeared so keen to get rid of him.
"I'm sure I have committed errors in the Ibra case...but I'm in charge here," Guardiola added.
"Maybe I could have handled it differently but it's part of this time of year. I try to isolate myself from it, to remain calm and to take the best decisions for the good of the team."
Barca's new signing, Spain striker David Villa, should lead the line on Sunday but the game will come too soon for another new recruit, Javier Mascherano.
The Argentina midfielder arrived in Barcelona on Saturday morning and will take a medical before completing his move from Liverpool on Monday, the Spanish champions said.
Guardiola welcomed Mascherano's signing. "I'd like to congratulate the player and the club for the transfer," the coach said. "I know many see him as a defensive player but he is much more than that. He's straightforward and has a good touch."
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