Belgrade. Sweden lost against Serbia 4-1.
On the bench sat a frustrated Anthony Ilanga.
– Of course I was disappointed because I didn’t start, I wanted to go in and create chances, says the offensive talent.
When Jan Andersson was knocked out of his eleventh game against Serbia, there was no player there Anthony Elanga with. Instead, the choice of the union captain fell on Victor Cleason, who was replaced by the talented Manchester United in the 64th minute of the match. After the losing match, the 20-year-old was clear that he was disappointed at not being trusted from the start.
– I was behaving like all footballers, of course I was disappointed. But I can’t do much, it’s up to the leaders who snatch the best team. Ilanga says it’s just for me to focus on the next match and I hope to start after that.
How frustrating was sitting on the bench?
– You always want to get in, especially when we’re down. I wanted to go in and create opportunities. I tried to do it when I got in. But it was heavy and we lost it, I can’t control it.
“I can’t control it”
Ilanga was substituted when Sweden were 3-1 down and shortly thereafter Lukic increased the score to 4-1. The national team was criticized from several sides after the loss.
– I don’t focus much on criticism, but it seemed heavy, says the 20-year-old and other reasons:
– It’s special when you’re sitting on the bench, we’re 3-1 behind and when I’m 4-1 it’s hard to take it. But like I said, I can’t control it, says Ilanga.
“I try to get the ball all the time”
During the rally in June, Janne Andersson changed to 4-3-3 to bring in new young talent. But when Sweden lined up against Serbia, it came back 4-4-2.
It’s a squad that Sweden knows well, and it didn’t work against Serbia, but hopefully we can do better on Tuesday.
Do you think you showed that you will start on Tuesday?
– I hope that. I try to work hard in every game, try to create the ball and try to get it all the time. We’ll see on Tuesday.