Leeds United defender Pontus Jansson believes Sweden have become more of a team since Manchester United forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic retired from international football last year.
The 26-year-old is currently away with his national team ahead of the games with France, tonight, and then Norway on Tuesday.
Speaking to Aftonbladet, the Leeds United player was asked why Swedish fans have got behind the team so much during the World Cup Qualifiers.
Jansson believes when Ibrahimovic was playing for Sweden the team had to play to his strengths. The central defender thinks now the forward is no longer around it’s benefited the team in a way, and the supporters are buying into it.
“We had one of the world’s best players (Zlatan Ibrahimovic) so it was all very focused on him, now we are a team again. Maybe we are getting the backing from the Swedish fans again,” said the Leeds United star.
Since arriving in Sweden, Jansson has spoke to the media on a couple of occasions, and that included dealing with questions about his Leeds United future. The player confirmed there’s interest from other clubs, and he and his agent will hold talks next month with the club’s leaders.
However, it must be noted Jansson hasn’t been talking up a transfer.
