Things are starting to fall apart for Sweden and Alexander Isak, with manager Jon Dahl Tomasson facing increased scrutiny after yet another defeat on Friday night.
The October international break has become crucial as teams battle for a spot in the 2026 World Cup, and six Newcastle United players are involved in qualifiers this week.
Anthony Elanga is among them, though he didn’t feature as Sweden suffered a damaging 2-0 loss at home to Switzerland.
Sweden now have just one point from three games in their qualifying campaign, putting their chances of reaching next summer’s tournament in North America under serious threat.
It was another tough night for Alexander Isak, who still hasn’t found his form since his £125 million move to Liverpool.
The striker’s continued struggles have left Sweden in a difficult position, and the pressure is mounting on Tomasson. Fans in Stockholm made their feelings clear by booing him, and an offensive banner was displayed inside Strawberry Arena.
Jon Dahl Tomasson under pressure after latest qualifying loss
Sweden failed to reach the 2022 World Cup, and with just one point from three matches in their current campaign, they look set for another early exit, even with the tournament’s expanded format.
The 2-0 defeat to Switzerland — decided by a debatable Granit Xhaka penalty and a late goal from Johan Manzambi — turned the mood inside the Strawberry Arena sour.
Expressen reported that boos echoed around the ground, with banners in the stands calling for Jon Dahl Tomasson’s resignation and others using slurs referencing his Danish background.
The rivalry between Sweden and Denmark is well known, and some fans were never fully on board with Tomasson’s appointment.
Sweden right-back Emil Holm condemned the banners: “It’s terrible, things like that shouldn’t be allowed to happen. We understand that people are disappointed, but to write like that… I think it’s bad. We have confidence in Jon and there is a new match on Monday.”
Tomasson responded calmly: “Football is about emotions. When you get bad results, it’s black or white. It’s part of football. It’s something we need to deal with, both me and the players.”
Sweden fans voice frustrations after Switzerland loss
Sweden missed out on the 2022 World Cup, and now find themselves in danger of missing out again, even with the tournament expanded to 48 teams.
After falling 2-0 to Switzerland – with Granit Xhaka scoring from a controversial penalty and Johan Manzambi adding a late goal – frustration boiled over inside Strawberry Arena.
Expressen reported that boos rang around the stadium, with banners reading ‘Resign JDT’ and ‘Danish b_____’ visible in the stands. The latter was written in Swedish.
The hiring of Jon Dahl Tomasson, a Dane, was unpopular with some Swedish fans from the start. The two nations share a fierce rivalry that goes beyond football.
Right-back Emil Holm was upset by the banner, telling reporters: “It’s terrible, things like that shouldn’t be allowed to happen.
“We understand that people are disappointed, but to write like that… I think it’s bad. We have confidence in Jon and there is a new match on Monday.”
Tomasson responded calmly: “Football is about emotions. When you get bad results, it’s black or white. It’s part of football. It’s something we need to deal with, both me and the players.”
Alexander Isak still not back to his best for Sweden
The striker has been trying to catch up ever since he forced through his move to Liverpool by refusing to train or play for Newcastle during pre-season. While he got his move in the end, it hasn’t worked out well so far.
READ MORE: Rasmus Hojlund and Patrick Dorgu star as Denmark crush rivals 6-0 in emphatic win
His touch was off throughout the match. He missed an easy chance when he hit the post from close range and failed to register even one shot on target.
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