Sweden coach questions ex-Man Utd star's loyalty during heated on-air row
Sweden's boss was involved in a heated on argument with a former Manchester United player during a live television appearance on Monday night.
The tense exchange between manager Janne Andersson and Bojan Djordjic, who made one Premier League outing for the Red Devils during the 2000/01 campaign, unfolded after Sweden's thumping 5-0 victory against minnows Azerbaijan in Stockholm.
Djordjic triggered Andersson by asking why Jesper Karlsson, who was left on the bench for the 3-0 defeat to Belgium on Friday night, was introduced only in the 82nd minute against Azerbaijan. The forward scored Sweden's fourth goal to add some shine to result.
Although Sweden won 5-0, it was not a simple game for Andersson's side. RB Leipzig playmaker Emil Forsberg gave them a one-goal lead during the first half, but Sweden did not find the net again until Bahlul Mustafazada scored an own goal in the 65th minute.
Djordjic questioned why Karlsson's game time was "too little" during the two Euro 2024 qualifiers. The 24-year-old has been in good form this season - scoring 10 goals and providing eight assists. His record of 21 goals and 16 assists last term was also impressive.
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Andersson replied, "Who shouldn't play? I get to pick the eleven, who won't play? Excuse me, but you can do exactly what you want if you are the national team coach."
Janne Andersson and Bojan Djordjic (left) clashedWhat do you make of the heated exchange? Let us know in the comments below!
Andersson then accused Djordjic of "whining" before asking him, "Who do you represent?" The former United star represented Sweden at youth level but was born in Belgrade in 1982. Belgrade is the capital of Serbia but was part of the former Yugoslavia at the time.
A perplexed Djordjic said, "Sweden, of course, why wouldn't I? What kind of thing is this then? Are you going to say something else?"
A defensive Andersson then tried to criticise Djordjic's punditry. He answered, "It is so bad. You stand and talk c*** after a game when we win 5-0."
Arsenal legend Freddie Ljungberg watched on as the argument unfoldedYet Djordjic replied, "You're talking too much right now, you are being too aggressive. Why? Who else would I represent?
"What other country? Serbia, did you mean it or not? Is that what you're trying to say? I represent you as much as anyone else. I will not forget this answer, it's bad. It's pretty low for a national team coach to say what you just said. Who do you represent?"
TV presenter Niklas Jihde tried to defuse the situation by asking Andersson if he was satisfied with Sweden's win. Yet the manager replied, "I am not satisfied with anything.
"It's bulls***. If I come here and lose 3-0, then I would understand. Then I have to be defensive. If we've won 5-0, should I be defensive? There are four of you and you will confront me with questions. Damn, that's bad."
Andersson was asked to clarify his comments in a press conference. As per Swedish outlet Expressen, he explained, "I don't know what I said. Don't talk about Serbia and stuff like that. I can't stand that kind of s***. I speak to him as a media representative.
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"Don't mix anything else in, I can't bear it. I may have expressed myself badly, but don't mix it up, than I'll be really p***** off. I can apologise if I said something bad. If I said something bad, I can take responsibility for it. Don't mix that up, than I get p***** off."
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