Jon Dahl Tomasson Fires Back at Critics: 'Bitter Players Should Look at Themselves'
Swedish national team coach Jon Dahl Tomasson fires back at 'bitter' players after goalkeeper Robin Olsen quits the national team. Swedish coach Tomasson defends his managing style after criticism from players.
“I don't look at names. I look at achievements. Several coaches select players based on their names...”
Swedish national team coach Jon Dahl Tomasson is firing back at critics, particularly those players who have spoken out against his leadership style. Tomasson claims he has an open and clear management approach, where hard work and achievements are rewarded. He believes players who are excluded from the team should reflect on their own performances rather than blaming him.
The controversy surrounding Tomasson began when goalkeeper Robin Olsen announced his retirement from international duty, citing Tomasson's leadership as the reason. Tomasson has refused to comment further on the matter, stating there are “many opinions” and he has “nothing more to say.” Behrang Safari, a former Swedish international, has also criticized Tomasson's leadership, claiming he was systematically broken down by Tomasson during his time at Malmö FF.
The conflict isn't the first for Tomasson, and he addressed his managing style at a press conference ahead of the World Cup qualifying match against Switzerland. “You always want to have an opinion. It is a free country,” Tomasson said, highlighting his openness. He added, “One thing I can say about myself as a manager is that I am very open and clear about what I expect from the players.”
“Some players get disappointed when they don't play. But one thing is certain. I always tell them what I expect. If a player can do it, wants it, and works hard for it, then you get the chance to play.”
“I don't look at names. I look at achievements. Several coaches select players based on their names. I am not one of them. Those who are disappointed or bitter should look in the mirror, and they will probably get a good answer there,” he said, according to Expressen.
Jon Dahl Tomasson confirmed that he had a conversation with Robin Olsen, informing him that he would no longer be the first-choice goalkeeper for Sweden's upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Switzerland and Kosovo. Tomasson expressed surprise at Olsen's decision to quit the national team, stating that he had expected Olsen to continue contributing to the team despite not being the starting goalkeeper.
“No. There are many opinions on this, and I have nothing more to say. Right now, I see no reason to talk to him.”
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