Sweden's main sponsor Svenska Spel came up with the genius idea of placing signs telling him what to do in Russia on his route to the Friends Arena
THE last time Sweden progressed past the last 16 of the World Cup was in 1994.
But that could all change in Russia after Sweden supporters posted thousands of messages along their new manager's eight-mile walk to work, telling him how to guarantee success at this year's tournament.
New boss Janne Andersson leaves his house in Stockholm at 6am everyday in order to take the trek to his office at the Friends Arena.
The two-hour hike allows the 55-year-old some precious time to plot his assault on how Sweden are going to overcome Germany, Mexico and South Korea in Group F.
And with the odds stacked against the Swedes, Svenska Spel, the national team's main sponsor, came up with a genius idea of giving Andersson all the help he needs.
For five days screens were strategically installed on his route to the team's national stadium where messages from supporters would show as he approached.
Over 5,000 were sent in total before being whittled down to 400 visible messages on his walk.
With Andersson ruling out Sweden legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic from his World Cup squad, Leeds defender Pontus Jansson sent in his own message offering his advice in attack.
It read: "Ponne (Jansson's nickname) should play up front!"
Ranging from tactics to inspirational messages, others said, "My advice is not to read these messages. They are all from amateurs ;-) Good luck!" and "Play offensive, three forwards! Nobody remembers a coward!".
To snatch three points against Germany and Mexico, others read, "Have zero respect for the Germans. Be fearless!"; and "Mexico targets the first post when doing corners. Remember that!".
Fans offered their say on who should be in the team including: "Play Forsberg centrally so he gets more of the ball."
Andersson was in full favour of the idea, he said: "I know there are plenty of ‘national team coaches’ all over Sweden.
"I have major respect for that and think it’s great that people get involved and have their views.
"And they are more than welcome to send me their tips.”
Sweden vs South Korea - 18/6 (13:00)
Germany vs Sweden - 23/6 (19:00)
Mexico vs Sweden - 27/6 (15:00)
Johan Svensson, the brains behind the idea, told SunSport: "It became a known fact that Janne Andersson walked over 12 kilometres every morning to his desk at the Swedish football association even in snow and rain.
"So we decided to install digital displays along the walk connected to live feeds from the public – ten million amateur coaches."
