Juventus attacking midfielder Dejan Kulusevski is causing controversy in Sweden, with Milan star Zlatan Ibrahimovic piling in. ‘It’s an absolute joke.’
The 20-year-old former Parma and Atalanta talent was expected to be in the starting XI when Sweden hosted France in the opening Nations League match last night.
However, he was benched and only came on for the final 20 minutes of a disappointing 1-0 home defeat.
“I think it was strange, but I had to respect the decision,” Kulusevski told reporters after the game.
Juventus attacking midfielder Dejan Kulusevski is causing controversy in Sweden, with Milan star Zlatan Ibrahimovic piling in. ‘It’s an absolute joke.’
The 20-year-old former Parma and Atalanta talent was expected to be in the starting XI when Sweden hosted France in the opening Nations League match last night.
However, he was benched and only came on for the final 20 minutes of a disappointing 1-0 home defeat.
“I think it was strange, but I had to respect the decision,” Kulusevski told reporters after the game.
“I had hoped to change the match coming on, but I was honestly shocked not to start, as I felt really good in training. I can only hope to start the next match, but I really don’t know what’s going to happen.”
Coach Janne Andersson became irritated at the press conference when repeatedly asked about Kulusevski’s absence.
“We’ll see if he gets more playing time on Tuesday. He has great qualities and will grow into the role eventually,” said Andersson.
“Now can we talk about those who actually played and did well? It’s a lot more interesting, I think…”
Milan star Ibrahimovic even weighed in on the issue with a Twitter message citing this story.
“It’s an absolute joke! More proof that incompetent people in the wrong positions are suffocating Swedish football.”