Missed championships and relegated from the top division to the next worst in the Nations League.
This led to criticism.
Condemnation that later turned into question marks when Jon Dahl Tomasson took over as national team captain and came in with a different playing idea compared to his predecessor.
"Changed"
Everything has changed. It's a completely new national team, a new group and I like what Jon is doing, says Dejan Kulusevski.
The Tottenham star, who scored two goals in the big win against Azerbaijan (6–0), says that the criticism surrounding the national team was the motivation that led to advancement in the Nations League.
I've heard that Swedish football is the worst it's ever been, I think the opposite. I've heard a lot about Sweden never having been in a worse place, but I believe it's never been better than now, says the 24-year-old and develops.
The players we have. (Viktor) Gyökeres, Alex (Isak), young players like Yasin (Ayari), who play at a high level. And all the young players have age on their side.
"Extremely important"
The combination of Tomasson's way of being and the players' drive has made the national team turn the negative trend, says Kulusevski.
The coach is extremely important in football, as it's he who chooses the path. Jon has been fantastic in that, been clear and said what's expected of us players.
The rest we players do. There are many who are hungry in this national team and who want it to go well. I'm sure this is just the beginning.
On December 13, the qualifying draw for the 2026 World Championship in the USA, Canada, and Mexico will take place. Sweden will likely face better opponents then – and Kulusevski is looking forward to it.
You meet each other on equal terms. Of course, they have more quality and we play man against man, so it becomes more important for the individual to handle their duel.
