Sweden coach Janne Andersson in argument with ex-Man United player Bojan Djordjic live on TV
Sweden coach Janne Andersson was involved in a heated discussion live with Bojan Djordjic in which she appeared to question the former Manchester United player’s loyalty to his country.
The lively exchange occurred on Swedish television channel Viaplay after their 5-0 win over Azerbaijan in a Euro 2024 qualifier in Stockholm on Monday night.
It began with pundit Djordjic questioning why Jesper Karlsson, the AZ Alkmaar striker who scored Sweden’s fourth goal of the night, was not given more playing time.
“We can discuss player choice all damn night, sorry,” replied an annoyed Andersson, who suggested to Djordjic that playing Karlsson would mean leaving out Newcastle’s Alexander Isak or Coventry’s Viktor Gyokeres.
according to aftonbladetDjordjic responded that eight minutes of action in the last two games was “too little.”
Sweden manager Janne Andersson (right) and former Manchester United player turned pundit Bojan Djordjic (left) had a heated discussion live on television after Tuesday’s 5-0 win over Azerbaijan.
Andersson asked the Serbian-born Swede Djordjic ‘who does he represent’ during the discussion.
Andersson angrily replied: ‘Who shouldn’t play? I can choose the eleven, who will not play? Excuse me, but he can do exactly what he wants if he is the coach of the national team.
The manager then accused Djordjic of ‘whining’ before things got really personal when Andersson asked the former Belgrade-born winger: ‘Who do you represent?’
Djordjic, who represented Sweden at under-21 level but never made a senior appearance, replied: ‘Sweden of course, why shouldn’t they?’
Clearly offended by Andersson questioning his Swedish heritage, Djordjic does not let the matter slide, putting the coach on the spot by saying: ‘What kind of thing is this then? Are you going to say anything else?
Amid a flurry of finger pointing and hand gestures, Andersson complains: βIt’s so bad. You stand up and talk rubbish after a game when we win 5-0.’
Djordjic then really loosens up, saying: ‘You’re talking too much right now, you’re being too aggressive. Because?
‘Who else would you represent? What other country? Serbia, were you serious or not? Is that what you’re trying to say?
The dispute soured a good night for Sweden as they won the second of their Euro qualifiers.
Andersson was not happy with Djordjic’s question about Jesper Karlsson’s playing time
I represent you as much as anyone else. I won’t forget this answer, it’s bad. It’s pretty low for a national team coach to say what you just said. Who do you represent?
As former Arsenal star Freddie Ljungberg watches awkwardly alongside Djordjic, presenter Niklas Jihde interrupted to ask how Andersson was pleased about the win.
‘I’m not satisfied with anything, they are bulls***. If I come here and lose 3-0 then I would understand. So I have to be defensive,β he said.
‘If we’ve won 5-0, should I be defensive? You are four and you will confront me with questions. Damn, that’s bad.
Andersson then puts his microphone down on the desk and walks away, but that wasn’t the end of the matter.
Djordjic in action for Manchester United in 2001 β made two appearances for the club
Former Arsenal star Freddie Ljungberg (left) watches as the queue intensified live on television
Andersson ultimately walked out of the interview after Djordjic disputed his comments.
At the press conference a few minutes later, Andersson was asked about his ‘who do you represent’ comment to Djordjic.
I don’t know what I said. Don’t talk about Serbia and things like that. I can’t stand that kind of shit,” she said, according to Voiced.
βI speak to him as a representative of the media. Don’t mix anything else, I can’t stand it. He may have misphrased me, but don’t mix it up, then I’ll get very angry.
I can apologize if I said something wrong. If I said something wrong, I can take responsibility for it. Don’t mix that up, then I’ll go crazy.’
It overshadowed a strong performance by Sweden, which bounced back well from their 3-0 loss to Belgium in their first Euro qualifier on Friday night.
Man United’s young Anthony Elanga was among their scorers in a routine win.
Manchester United striker Anthony Elanga was among Sweden’s scorers on Monday night.