Many probably raised their eyebrows when Jonathan Carlsbogård, after 102 international appearances, turned down a place in the squad for this week’s European Championship qualifiers because he was not satisfied with being a specialist defender.
Then Nikola Roganovic was injured and, after his withdrawal, there was suddenly an opening for Carlsbogård in the role he most desires. National team coach Michael Apelgren therefore contacted the Barcelona player again - and Carlsbogård said yes.
It may be perceived as selfish, but it’s not that I’m saying, “Give me the ball in every attack.” It’s more that I want to be part of the whole game. I see myself as a two-way player - involved in both defence and attack - and I get more out of my game that way. I also feel a different joy in the game, says Carlsbogård.
May miss the World Cup
Roganovic is expected to return to action in December and should be ready to play at the World Cup. So what if you’re asked about the World Cup games?
My attitude will be the same as before, when “Micke” and I first talked. I want to play both ways, says the 31-year-old, who has played in every championship with Sweden since his debut at the 2021 World Cup.
”It felt reasonable”
Michael Apelgren does not want to make a big deal out of the back-and-forth over Carlsbogård.
Is it obvious to you as national team coach that you should be able to say no first and then yes if the conditions are right?
It feels very reasonable now, but each case will be different, says Apelgren.
But after all the years “Jonte” has spent with the national team... And he was so clear that he wanted to be in the national team, but did not want to end up in a position where he only played defence. At the time, we thought this was a reasonable thing to do. These are still people we work with.
The European Championship qualifiers against Greece (Växjö, Thursday) and Luxembourg (away, Sunday) are the last international matches before the World Cup squad is announced on December 14.
What do you think?