Andre Baumann has never spoken to captain Jan Andersson.
Now the 21-year-old fullback will go with the national team to Portugal.
– I have to bring sunscreen because I get sunburned easily, he tells Sportbladet.
When the Sportbladet gets to André Boman, he’s fine. or rather:
– this is good. It’s really good, he says.
The 21-year-old, who plays on weekdays for Varberg in Allsvenskan, found out some time ago that he had been selected for the national team’s A round in January.
Watch enlistment with his mum and dad.
– Mother was really happy. dad with. But my mom couldn’t really keep it to herself, she was really happy.
Was there hugging and jubilation?
– Exactly, that’s what it really was.
Bowman: As happy as you get
What are your feelings
– Of course you are happy. This is what you are striving for, to wear the national team shirt and now you are one step away. You seem to get something for what you fought for.
Bowman takes a breath before continuing.
– Now I look tough. But really, I’m as happy as can be. I do not know what to say. You are at a loss for words.
I noticed it in you.
– Also, I’m not very well trained in the media, Bowman laughs.
I got the surprise in front of the TV
The Varbergs player says he learned of the national team selection the exact moment Janne Andersson read his name at the press conference.
– Personally, I did not speak with any coach in the national team. Maybe they talked to Jock (Pearson, Varberg’s coach).
Are you surprised?
– It was a little: “Oh, damn it, what fun.” Of course you felt you had a chance. But of course it would come as a shock. You should always believe in yourself, I think.
Any messages from friends?
– The phone is very hot. I’ll probably have to buy a new one soon. It’s about to boil.
From the second division to the national team
For Bowman, the journey from the lower divisions to the national team was swift.
In 2020 he was loaned out to Varbergs Gif in Division 2 and made two Allsvenskan appearances.
In 2021, Boman started more games in Division 2 for Ullareds IK than Varberg in Allsvenskan.
– It was the right move to start with to show that I’m going to play for Varbergs Bois. It went really well in Ullared and suddenly I was playing matches in Allsvenskan at the same time as I was playing in Division 2. There is little difference in level, you could say.
You are a junior player in Allsvenskan. But it remains a mystery to many.
– I can agree with that. There aren’t many people who don’t hang out at Varbergs Bois who care about us, it seems. You have to be humble and say that.
What would it be like to go to Portugal with the national team in January?
– luxurious. I have to bring sunscreen because I get sunburned easily. But it will be great.
During the January tour, Sweden plays Finland on January 9 and then Iceland on January 12.
