PHOTO: Bildbyrån
Dejan Kulusevski was saddened after the 2-5 defeat against Portugal.
He was harsh in his criticism.
– Incredibly tough to concede so many goals. Horrible, really. We didn’t defend as a team, we didn’t defend hard enough, he says.
As one of the offensive midfield trio gave Dejan Kulusevski Portugal problems initially.
Kulusevski’s criticism
Every now and then the national team showed clear intentions on how they want and should play under the new national team captain Jon Dahl Tomasson.
– The first 15-20 minutes are pretty good, but as soon as we concede a goal we go down. When they score 2-0, we sink even more. And then comes 3-0. Then it’s tough, really tough, says Kulusevski and continues:
– I still have to say that we come out much better in the second half. It was good of the boys not to give up. We played better in the second half but it was tough to concede two more goals.
The article continues below.
Kulusevski, a strong supporter of the national team’s need to adopt a new, more offensive line, was critical of the collective defensive play during large parts of the match.
– We didn’t defend as a team, we didn’t defend hard enough. We didn’t help each other. Our plan was to push for 90 minutes but we understood pretty quickly that it wasn’t going to work. Then we didn’t fall down, it became something half-half. They are far too good players to be given extra time and they took advantage of it.
“We have to”
Before the game, Kulusevski talked a lot about the importance of going in and competing and giving everything.
The article continues after the picture.
Why was it missing?
– It’s not the way it should be and that’s what hurts the most. There we have to grow as a team. We need to win more duels and help each other more.
“Will take time”
Despite the overtake, he wants to continue on the beaten track.
– Absolutely. Everything doesn’t fit after a day. It will take time, but at the same time you must not concede five goals. You must defend with your life, win more duels. That’s what hurts the most. We have to improve defensively.
– We have to get hold of it.
What do you think of Sweden’s effort? Share the article and have your say!
READ MORE: Daniel Nannskog reveals what he really thinks of Jon Dahl Tomasson – now says what many Swedes agree with
Sign up for our newsletter
Share