Swedish World Cup stars find comfort in literature, reading Morrison and McCarthy

Beyond the intense training sessions and strategic planning for the World Cup, some members of the Swedish national team are finding solace and cultural immersion through literature. Players Gustaf Lagerbielke and Jacob Widell Zetterström stand out for their engagement with books, using their downtime to explore diverse literary worlds.

Lagerbielke shared that he is currently reading Cormac McCarthy's 'No Country for Old Men,' a novel set in Texas. He sees reading as an opportunity to learn about the places they are visiting, aiming to connect with the local environment. This approach reflects a desire to go beyond the typical tourist experience and engage more deeply with the host nation's culture.

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It's fun to read and learn a little about what it's like where you are.

Goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterström is also engrossed in reading, opting for Toni Morrison's works to "get into the USA feeling." He emphasizes the importance of having plenty of books, stating, "I'd rather have too many books than too few." For Widell Zetterström, reading also serves as a way to feel more at home while on the road, creating a sense of familiarity amidst the unfamiliar surroundings of a major international tournament. The team also engages in board games like Hitster during their free time.

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I'm reading Toni Morrison right now, to get into the USA feeling. But it's a lot, I'd rather have too many books than too few. It's a way to feel at home too, in a way.