Sweden begins its World Cup qualification campaign against Italy on Tuesday. Head coach Tony Gustavsson will be watching from the stands due to a red card suspension. He received the red card after questioning the referee's added time in a Nations League match against France.
An appeal against the suspension was rejected. Gustavsson said he will respect the rules and not communicate with the team from 90 minutes before the match until its conclusion. Assistant coach Johanna Almgren will step in as the main responsible person during the match, supported by Niklas Egnell and goalkeeper coach Sofia Lundgren.
I will respect the rules and not communicate with the team from 90 minutes before the match until its conclusion.
Gustavsson expressed confidence in his staff and players, stating he feels in safe hands. Players Filippa Angeldahl and Kosovare Asllani said they believe the team will perform well and will likely still hear his influence.
I feel in safe hands.