Jon Dahl Tomasson Slams Robin Olsen's Shocking Departure

Tomasson expresses disappointment over Olsen's national team exit

Swedish national team coach Jon Dahl Tomasson reacts to Robin Olsen's shocking departure, citing disappointment and concerns about team unity.

“You tell a teammate that he is not good enough, and he fights just as hard for that position...”

Swedish national team coach Jon Dahl Tomasson expressed disappointment with Robin Olsen's decision to quit his international career. “I am disappointed with Robin's reaction; he has let his teammates down by airing his criticism in the media instead of standing united with his teammates,” Tomasson said at a press conference. Tomasson's frustration stems from Olsen's public criticism of his leadership, with Olsen stating he's quitting because he doesn't want to work under Tomasson's guidance.

Olsen's departure comes after a conversation with Tomasson, where he was informed he would no longer be the first-choice goalkeeper for Sweden's upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Switzerland and Kosovo. Tomasson had previously told Olsen he was Sweden's number one goalkeeper, but Olsen's performance in recent matches, including a costly mistake in a 2-2 draw against Slovenia, led to the change in decision.

"Han sviker sina lagkamrater" ❌🇸🇪

Jon Dahl Tomasson svarar på Robin Olsens kritik 💬 pic.twitter.com/cuH02kLdsc

— Viaplay Fotboll (@ViaplayFotboll) October 1, 2025

Tomasson emphasized the importance of team unity, suggesting Olsen's public comments undermined his teammates' efforts. “You tell a teammate that he is not good enough, and he fights just as hard for that position. You tell teammates who work hard that he's not worth it,” Tomasson explained. Viktor Johansson is expected to take over as Sweden's goalkeeper in the upcoming matches.

Jon Dahl Tomasson elaborated on why he was disappointed with Robin Olsen's reaction, stating, “You tell a teammate that he is not good enough, and he fights just as hard for that position. You tell teammates who work hard that he's not worth it.” Tomasson felt that Olsen's public criticism undermined the team's unity and morale.

Tomasson expressed surprise at Olsen's sudden decision to leave the national team, saying he was caught off guard by the news. The coach had informed Olsen that he would no longer be the first-choice goalkeeper, but Tomasson didn't expect Olsen to react by quitting the team altogether.

Jon Dahl Tomasson expressed surprise at Robin Olsen's decision to quit the national team, stating, “No, it was nothing I expected. The team always comes first. You must always behave as a team player. That's why I think he let his teammates down.” Tomasson emphasized the importance of team unity and felt that Olsen's reaction was unprofessional.

According to Olsen, he had a phone call with Tomasson where he was initially told he was the first-choice goalkeeper. However, Olsen's poor performances in the World Cup qualifying matches against Slovenia and Kosovo allegedly changed the agreement. Tomasson's comments suggest that Olsen's subsequent mistakes led to a reevaluation of his role in the team.

Swedish national team coach Jon Dahl Tomasson confirmed that he had a conversation with goalkeeper Robin Olsen, informing him that he would be replaced for the upcoming match against Switzerland. “Then he decided not to continue helping the national team,” Tomasson said, expressing his disappointment with Olsen's decision to quit the national team. Tomasson had wished for Olsen to continue contributing to the team despite not being the first-choice goalkeeper.

Tomasson's decision to replace Olsen was based on the goalkeeper's performance, particularly his error in the 2-2 draw against Slovenia, which led to a goal for the opposing team. Viktor Johansson is expected to take over as the first-choice goalkeeper for the matches against Switzerland and Kosovo. Tomasson emphasized the importance of team unity and felt that Olsen's public criticism undermined this unity.

When asked why Olsen was going to be replaced, Tomasson says:

“I was very clear and honest after the match (against Kosovo) that players are allowed to make mistakes, that they are not robots. We didn't play our best game, but it was a decision made after the effort on the pitch.”

Säga vad man vill om Jon Dahl Tomasson och att han kanske inte är den optimala ledaren för vårt landslag. Men att Robin Olsen väljer att avsluta landslagskarriären efter han får veta att han blir petad efter två usla insatser i ett VM-kval är ju inget annat än barnsligt. Pinsamt! pic.twitter.com/fM9YCC9DBP

— Carl Sundqvist (@carlsundqvist) September 30, 2025

After Robin Olsen's resignation, Viktor Johansson is expected to take over as the goalkeeper for Sweden's upcoming matches against Switzerland and Kosovo in the World Cup qualifiers. 

Viktor Johansson, a 27-year-old goalkeeper, currently plays for Stoke City in the Championship. He has been part of Sweden's national team and has played in various competitions, including the UEFA Nations League.

 Johansson's stats show he has:

Matches Played: 6Minutes Played: 540

Saves: 18

Clean Sheets: 3

Passing Accuracy: 85.17%

With Johansson in goal, Sweden will look to secure positive results against Switzerland and Kosovo.