Potter warns Sweden to fix defensive issues for Japan test

Sweden's coach Graham Potter has issued a stern warning about defensive frailties ahead of their crucial World Cup match against Japan. Following a significant 5-1 defeat to the Netherlands, the Swedish team finds itself in a precarious third position in Group F, needing a positive result to advance to the knockout stage.

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We can't defend in the way that we did, we have to improve that situation. Japan are strong on the wings and they're strong through the middle as well, so we meet a very good team and we have to make sure that we are better than we were in that respect.

"We can't defend in the way that we did, we have to improve that situation," Potter stated. "Japan are strong on the wings and they're strong through the middle as well, so we meet a very good team and we have to make sure that we are better than we were in that respect." Japan has shown resilience in the tournament, remaining unbeaten with draws against the Netherlands and a decisive 4-0 win over Tunisia.

Potter highlighted the collective threat posed by the Japanese team, noting the difficulty in predicting individual player roles. "Whoever plays offers a threat, it's not about individuals with the Japanese team," he said. "I think their biggest strength is collectively. You don't know who's going to play, you can't second-guess their position. They have a collective threat in attack, a collective defence and that's something we have to be very, very aware of."

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Whoever plays offers a threat, it's not about individuals with the Japanese team. I think their biggest strength is collectively. You don't know who's going to play, you can't second-guess their position. They have a collective threat in attack, a collective defence and that's something we have to be very, very aware of.

Despite acknowledging Japan's strengths, Potter also recognized the attacking prowess within his own squad, particularly mentioning Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres. He noted that while Isak's season was hampered by injuries, he remains a top player, and Gyokeres brings a winning mentality from his Premier League success. Potter expressed respect rather than fear for the Japanese team, acknowledging the achievements of his own players.

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I don't think it will be fear, I think it's respect. Respect for what they've achieved, in terms of one has won the Premier League and one has had a great career and a big move to a top team. Although the season he has had has been disrupted by injury, Alex is still a top, top player.