Kosovare Asllani Commits to Continued Role in Swedish National Team Post-EM
Kosovare Asllani reverses her retirement plans to continue playing for Sweden’s national team, motivated by a pivotal conversation and a desire for titles despite recent team struggles.
- • Kosovare Asllani decided to continue her career with the Swedish national team after encouragement from Magnus Wikman.
- • Asllani expressed determination to compete for titles, citing 'unfinished business' with the national team.
- • Sweden recently suffered a 4-0 loss to Spain, with no shots on goal, highlighting tactical issues.
- • Coach Tony Gustavsson supports players’ decisions post-EM and defended his late substitutions amidst criticism.
Key details
Kosovare Asllani has decided to extend her career with the Swedish women's national football team following a reflective conversation with former assistant coach Magnus Wikman during the European Championship (EM). Wikman challenged Asllani's initial belief in 'quitting at the top,' urging her to capitalize on her current peak form. Inspired, Asllani expressed her motivation to continue competing, citing 'unfinished business' and a desire to pursue titles with Sweden. Head coach Tony Gustavsson has supported players' personal decisions about their futures after the EM, fostering an environment that encourages thoughtful reflection.
This commitment comes amid recent challenges for the Swedish team, including a heavy 4-0 defeat to Spain where Sweden failed to register a single shot on goal—highlighting notable tactical and attacking struggles. The loss has sparked criticism of Gustavsson's strategic choices, especially regarding delayed substitutions, and raised discussions about the necessity for a unified playing style across Swedish football at various levels.
Despite the team's recent setbacks and uncertainty about when she might eventually retire, Asllani remains focused on upcoming matches in the Nations League as key opportunities to achieve success and fight for titles on behalf of Sweden.