Stoke City goalkeeper Viktor Johansson is set to start for Sweden in their friendly against Northern Ireland later today.
Sweden manager Jon Dahl Tomasson has already stated the 26-year-old and Robin Olsen will play a match each in this international break. The Aston Villa stopper started in the loss to Luxembourg and Johansson will be between the posts against Northern Ireland.
Ahead of the tie, Fotbollskanalen had a chat with Johansson, where he also talked about Stoke City.
Last summer, the Championship side signed the Sweden international from Rotherham United, after the latter’s relegation to League One.
The Potters are battling to avoid relegation as they are currently 20th in the table, a point ahead of 22nd placed Derby County and six ahead of bottom placed Plymouth Argyle.
On Stoke City’s season, he said: “We had that belief [of being a top team] in ourselves but it’s been a tough year. It’s hard to be down there but we are an incredibly strong group.
“It’s disappointing for us as a club and players but at the same time we have eight games left now that are incredibly important. As a player you want to play important games. But rather important games at the top than the bottom.”
Stoke City have already parted ways with Steven Schumacher and Narcís Pèlach, and Mark Robins is their third permanent of this season. The Swede suggests all this has negatively impacted the club.
“There’s been many coach changes, and a lot has happened. We are like an extra family over there. We know what needs to be done to keep us there,” Johansson explained.
He kept 11 clean sheets and conceded 51 goals from 37 league games for Stoke City. The goalkeeper has also captained the Potters in this calendar year.
On the captaincy, he added: “It’s been great fun. Incredibly fun to have that pressure on you. Trying to pass on the experience I have gained from the Championship. We’ve got a young team so it’s great to have that role.
“I see myself as a bit of a leader over there. I try to spread good energy. Not be too high and not be too low. I try to do what I can.”
