Swedish Forward Calls for National Team to Play with More Freedom

Swedish forward Monica Jusu Bah has urged her national team teammates to "release the handbrake" and play with greater confidence and attacking intent. Following a disappointing loss to Denmark and a narrow victory over Serbia, Jusu Bah believes a mental adjustment is crucial for the team's performance.

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We have to release the handbrake a bit in the national team, like one does in the club team. But we perhaps need to remind each other about it more.

Reflecting on the recent 2-1 defeat to Denmark, where Sweden hit the woodwork multiple times, Jusu Bah described the experience as "mixed emotions." While she scored her debut goal for the national team in that match, the loss overshadowed the personal achievement. The team's struggle for efficiency in front of goal has been a recurring theme, with Felicia Schröder notably hitting the post twice early in the Denmark game.

Head coach Tony Gustavsson has emphasized the mental aspect of the game, stating that "those who want it most, dare the most, are often the ones who emerge victorious." He believes the team's deep runs and attacking presence are strong, but needs to be complemented by greater effectiveness. Jusu Bah agrees, suggesting that the national team needs to adopt a similar "mindset" to their club performances, where players like herself and Schröder often play with more freedom.

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I would say that there is not a very big difference between club and national team, it's just a 'mindset' perhaps.

Teammate Anna Anvegård defended Schröder, highlighting her skills beyond goal-scoring, such as her playmaking ability and technical prowess. Anvegård expressed confidence that Schröder will eventually find her scoring touch for the national team. The upcoming match against Denmark presents an opportunity for the team to implement these desired changes and improve their efficiency.

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I can get a little annoyed by the writing, because she is so much more than just a goal scorer. She is a playmaker, incredibly technical, has good game intelligence and all those parts.