Former West Ham boss Graham Potter has caused something of a stir back home in Sweden by omitting several established stars from his preliminary World Cup squad.
And in doing so, he has incurred the wrath of former Swedish international John Guidetti, who blasted Potter for leaving several big names at home, including Dejan Kulusevski of Tottenham Hotspur, who has barely played this season anyway.
The announcement of Sweden’s World Cup squad raised plenty of eyebrows, with several high-profile names surprisingly omitted from the selection.
Among those left out were Roony Bardghji of FC Barcelona, Hugo Larsson from Eintracht Frankfurt, Williot Swedberg of Celta Vigo and Kulusevski.
Kulusevski’s omission is perhaps the least surprising given his current injury problems, although there remains hope he could recover in time to feature at the World Cup itself.
Guidetti Launches Furious Attack
Guidetti did not hold back when discussing Potter’s selection decisions.
“Since I will no longer be part of a World Cup squad, I can say what I think.
“I think it is a cowardly selection. You are leaving all players with character at home. All players he is afraid will have a bad influence on the atmosphere.
“But it is your job as national coach to ensure that you select the best players.”
Potter Responds After Fresh Criticism
Potter has understandably tried not to rise to the accusation of cowardice, but could probably do without another public broadside after former West Ham full-back Vladimír Coufal was less than complimentary about his time under him earlier this week.
“Everyone is entitled to their own opinion,” Potter responded.
“I have a lot of experience selecting players in different contexts. It is not about their personality or character.
“I don’t just want ‘good boys’. You won’t get far with that.
“You probably understand that if you listen to what I say. I have discussed it at least eight times already. I don’t think it is necessary to explain it again.
“I have never said anything about character or personality.”
Guidetti says Graham Potter has left out players who seem to have a negative influence on the atmosphere in the squad. I think Graham Potter learned the hard way at Chelsea F.C. and West Ham United F.C. how demoralizing it can be to have complaining players in the team, and how badly that can affect the team’s performances.
Big decisions. That is why he is paid the big bucks. Can’t lose personally. There will be plausible excuses whether they over-achieve, play to par or under-achieve.
What a job.
Thank heavens we got rid of the clueless Potter.