Tension is at an all-time high within the Swedish national team as Alexander Isak has openly expressed his frustration following Sweden’s poor World Cup qualifying campaign.
The Newcastle United forward, now playing for Liverpool after his record-breaking move, didn’t hold back in his emotional post-match comments. He described the team’s situation as “a crisis,” admitting that both he and his teammates are “so damn dissatisfied” with their performances and the current tactical setup.
Isak’s first season in Liverpool hasn’t gone as planned. After leaving Newcastle in controversial fashion, the striker has only managed one goal in nine appearances across club and country.
Despite completing two full matches for Sweden during the international break, the team failed to score in either game, suffering defeats to both Switzerland and Kosovo.
These results leave Sweden bottom of Group B with just one point and little hope of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
The 26-year-old forward didn’t mince words in his assessment of Sweden’s dire situation. “It’s too bad. Embarrassing. We’re playing too badly. The system doesn’t work. We need a change,” he said.
His words echo the sentiment of many Swedish fans who have grown tired of seeing their team underperform despite having stars from top European leagues.
Isak stressed that responsibility lies with everyone the players, the coach, and the entire setup. “We are all accountable,” he added, highlighting that when things don’t work on the pitch, adjustments must be made. His frustration reflects the mood of a squad struggling to find its rhythm under manager Jon Dahl Tomasson.
Following their recent losses, calls have grown louder for Tomasson to step down. Critics argue that Sweden’s once-promising attacking duo Isak and Arsenal’s Viktor Gyökeres has completely lost confidence.
The Swedish media has been scathing, describing the national team’s recent performances as “a complete disaster” and “the grand fiasco of all time.”
Tomasson, however, insists he won’t resign, even as pressure mounts. “The supporters have every right to be critical,” he said. “We all have to do better.” Yet, for many, his words ring hollow after Sweden’s repeated failures to deliver results.
Reports suggest that the Swedish Football Association is reviewing Tomasson’s future, with football director Kim Källström acknowledging that the situation is “not good” and requires deep analysis.
There is speculation about potential replacements, including notable names like Graham Potter and Olof Mellberg, who could bring a new direction and energy to the struggling side.
Media pundits have not held back either. Former Arsenal star Freddie Ljungberg described the current campaign as “a complete disaster,” questioning how a team with such talent could perform so poorly against lower-ranked nations.
His frustration was echoed by ex-defender Jonas Olsson, who criticized the lack of structure and self-belief among players, calling the situation “nightmarish.”
Amid the chaos, emotions boiled over in the dressing room. Reports surfaced that winger Anthony Elanga, visibly angry after the defeat, shouted, “This f***ing system has to go!” His words captured the discontent brewing within the squad, signaling a loss of faith in Tomasson’s methods.
For Isak, this campaign has been a bitter experience. Once seen as Sweden’s next great hope, he now finds himself battling form, confidence, and questions over leadership both at club and international levels. Yet his honesty may serve as a rallying cry a call for accountability and renewal.
With only two qualifiers left, Sweden’s World Cup dreams hang by a thread. Even with a slim chance of making it through via the Nations League back door, few believe the team can recover without significant change.
For many, it’s not just about qualifying anymore it’s about restoring pride, passion, and purpose in the yellow and blue shirt.
As one Swedish journalist summed it up: “This team is broken. The spirit is gone. And unless change comes fast, not even a miracle can save them.”
