Potter Denies Attitude Was Behind Bardghji’s Sweden World Cup Omission

Overview

• Sweden manager Graham Potter told SVT Sports that claims about Roony Bardghji sulking after March’s World Cup qualification had no influence on his decision and were unfair.
• After naming his 26-man squad, Potter said he weighed competition for places along with how players travel together, manage free time, and fit the team’s age and experience mix.
• Swedish outlet Aftonbladet, echoed by Football Espana and Barca Blaugranes, had reported the exclusion was driven by a poor mood shown at the team hotel following qualification.
• Bardghji has had limited minutes at Barcelona this season and has said he was not happy with his game time, with a meeting planned with coach Hansi Flick after the season.
• The 20-year-old was part of Sweden’s March play-off squad that secured a World Cup berth, which makes his later omission stand out for a player already in the national setup.