Outside of Old Trafford, there is a steady stream of fans wanting to pose for a photo with Jonas Edvall.
The Swedish Arsenal coach himself doubts he can be described as a great personality.
– I probably find it hard to see him that way from my side, he tells Sportbladet.
Last fall presented itself Jonas Edval With thunder and accidents in the British Isles in the opening match of the Emirates.
The 39-year-old, who led Rosengård to three league titles, played an equal game with Emma Hayes Chelsea during the season. In the end, Arsenal had to settle for second place, just a point behind the domestic rival.
Despite claiming that in a relatively short time he became one of the names of the Women’s Super League posters, he initially disagrees.
– I actually don’t know. If you become a huge profile, Eidevall objects.
“Great fun with attention”
Outside Old Trafford, shortly before the premiere of the European Championship in England, it became clear that football fans know very well who he is. The Swede snapped a bunch of photos before touring his new job as a studio expert for the BBC (he will also comment on TV4/C More matches).
Attention… It’s fun to see the interest in women’s football here in England and Sweden as well, says Edevaal who is looking forward to seeing the steps the sport takes this summer.
– Before all the tournaments, it was already said that “it’s very interesting to see how fast it is developing” and “now check here how much has happened since the last tournament”. I think this would be another example of what’s cool. Somewhere you think development is going to start slowing down or slowing down a bit, but it’s not happening. It’s fast paced and feels exciting and fun to be a part of.
“More flexible from a tactical point of view”
Progress in domestic football in England is clear. Eidevall believes that what is being done at the tactics table is only part of the development. Players must also have sufficient technical ability to be able to comprehend and carry out instructions.
Plus – when the tactical options are more, they become more complex. Partially in your game, at the same time you have to protect yourself when the opposing team has the ball.
“I think it’s a very wonderful journey to be a part of because you see how players and teams are today tactically more flexible than they were 5-6 years ago,” says Jonas Edvall.
– Then maybe they talked about the teams that play different formations. Today, teams are changing both their working tactics and formations during a match to adapt to mirror images, which of course places much higher demands on knowledge to be able to handle it collectively in a good way. Sure, it was a huge development and I think it will continue.
“Spain said but…”
Finally, who gets the gold medal at the European Championships?
I always say you should make a decision as late as possible. When I saw Alexia Putillas’ injury, I wouldn’t have said Spain, as I said. Because they are too central in their attack to work well.
In a BBC broadcast on Wednesday, Edevaal notes that – for the first time in a long time – there is little talk of Germany.
Sportbladet wonders if England are not among the favourites?
Yes, England is one of them. I’ve been through like this in Spain, but I have to consider another round here now, he concludes.
