The head coach of the Swedish national team, Jon Dahl Tomasson, has encountered challenges in connecting with Nottingham Forest’s right winger, Anthony Elanga, since the Nations League clash with Estonia in mid-October last year.
At the time, Swedish outlet Fotbollskanalen reported Elanga’s frustration with being sidelined during the team’s 3-0 victory, leading to his absence from a team dinner before heading back to Nottingham.
Subsequently, Tomasson opted not to include Elanga in the squad for the Nations League matches in November against Slovakia and Azerbaijan, explaining to media sources that he had been unable to reach the player.
“He hasn’t contacted me. Not yet. I tried to reach out again, but we haven’t heard from each other. However, I’m confident we’ll connect before the next gathering. There’s still plenty of time. It’s a bit unusual, but it is what it is. He could be quite busy; I don’t know,” the national team coach mentioned in November to Fotbollskanalen.
In a recent interview with Expressen, the former Danish international reiterated that he still hasn’t managed to get in touch with Elanga.
So, he hasn’t returned your call?
“The ball is in his court. I’m always open to players reaching out.”
Are you surprised by his lack of response? It’s been three months, after all.
“I can’t provide a satisfactory answer to that. All I can say is that he’s doing well right now and we’re keeping an eye on his matches; the ball is in his court.”
Do you believe he still wishes to represent the Swedish national team?
“I think that’s something you should ask him.”
It has been reported that he missed a closing dinner following the win against Estonia in October. Has he exhibited any misconduct off the pitch?
“What occurs within the squad remains within the squad,” concluded Tomasson.
Sweden will return to the pitch on 22 March when they take on Luxembourg in an away friendly encounter.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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