“People can think what they want” – Fulham player won’t keep his mouth shut

Fulham signed Hugo Larsson late in the summer transfer window and he’s been the focus of much discussion in Sweden during this break.

The London club signed the player from Eintracht Frankfurt on an initial loan, with an obligation to buy worth €22m.

Since joining Fulham, Larsson is yet to make a  start for Alvaro Arbeloa’s side in the Premier League. He has featured for only over 30 minutes, starting their League Cup game against West Ham.

Larsson wasn’t initially picked by Sweden for the current break, with manager Graham Potter having to explain his reasoning to the country’s media. Within 24 hours, injuries to others meant the Fulham player got a late call-up.

Player very vocal about himself

Hugo Larsson was left on the bench for Sweden’s match against Romania two weeks ago. He started against Bosnia but had to came off the bench against Poland and against Romania on Monday.

He was asked about his role in the squad and the midfielder revealed he isn’t happy.

The 22-year-old told Aftonbladet: “Disappointed and disappointed… I felt ready and wanted to play. But as I said before: I’m here to be available when he (Graham Potter) wants me and I was in the second half today. 

“We won and I got to play a lot so everything is good.”

Larsson also believes his starting spot with the national team in November depends on how he plays at Fulham.

“It probably depends on how things are going at Fulham now. But I have probably strengthened my shares now compared to before the meeting.”

The talent was also asked about his vocal nature, which has left Sweden fans split over whether he should play or not.

Larsson responded: “I don’t know if it has much to do with clubs. I think it’s because I’ve talked a lot before here in the national team. Some have liked it, others haven’t. I’ve just stood up for myself and done what I felt like.”

“Then people can think what they want and that has obviously led to divided opinions.

The Fulham man further said he doesn’t regret talking a lot and won’t change his approach.

“Yes, that’s how I see it. I don’t see it as me doing anything wrong. I’ve run my race. Then it’s probably divided opinions.”

Our take: Low-key approach needed

This isn’t the first time Hugo Larsson has been the focus of attention because of his words. Perhaps it’s time to stop bringing extra pressure upon himself.

He doesn’t need negativity and criticism around him, especially as the Swedish media hasn’t been too kind on players over thee last year or so. It is easy for a young player to fall into that trap.

That is why it is important for Larsson to stay under-the-radar. The next few weeks could be key for him, as games will come thick and fast for Fulham.

Sweden squad after withdrawals

Goalkeepers

• Melker Ellborg — Sunderland
• Viktor Johansson — Stoke City
• Noel Törnqvist — Monza

Defenders

• Felix Beijmo — FC Copenhagen
• Samuel Dahl — Benfica
• Victor Eriksson — Hammarby
• Gabriel Gudmundsson — Leeds United
• Victor Lindelöf — Aston Villa
• Ken Sema — Pafos
• Hampus Skoglund — Hammarby
• Eric Smith — St Pauli
• Daniel Svensson — Borussia Dortmund

Midfielders and forwards

• Paulos Abraham — Hammarby
• Lucas Bergvall — Tottenham Hotspur
• Alexander Bernhardsson — Wolfsburg
• Hugo Bolin — Borussia Mönchengladbach
• Viktor Gyökeres — Arsenal
• Jesper Karlström — Udinese
• Hugo Larsson — Fulham
• Sebastian Nanasi — Strasbourg
• Williot Swedberg — Celta Vigo
• Besfort Zeneli — Union Saint-Gilloise