Exclusive
'Be fearless'

World Cup 2018: Sweden fans take over billboards to send over 5,000 messages of advice to boss Janne Andersson on his eight-mile walk to work

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.

Advertisement
Sweden manager Janne Andersson walks eight miles to work from his house in Stockholm every dayCredit: YouTube, Svenska Spel

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.

Advertisement
Andersson read at least 400 messages over five days on his walk to the Friends Arena
Billboards were strategically placed along Andersson's walk to work

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.

Advertisement

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!".

Advertisement
Sweden will need to pull off a World Cup shock to go far in RussiaCredit: ALESSANDRO GAROFALO

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.

Advertisement

"And they are more than welcome to send me their tips.”

latest world cup features

Bin it to win it
I'm a former World Cup ref but my real job is a binman
PRIDE IN GLORY
The 1966 World Cup to London 2012 ‘parachuting’ - The Queen's life in sport
LEW BEAUTY
Lewandowski eats dessert first, wrote thesis on himself & Wag is karate champ
GUESS WHO?
How Scotland could line-up against Ukraine without Kieran Tierney & Ryan Jack
Janne Andersson was more than happy to read tips from supporters
Janne Andersson's walk finishes when he arrives at the Friends ArenaCredit: Getty Images - Getty

Sweden World Cup fixtures

Sweden vs South Korea - 18/6 (13:00)

Germany vs Sweden - 23/6 (19:00)

Mexico vs Sweden - 27/6 (15:00)

Sweden boss Janne Andersson's reaction to fan's World Cup advice on walk to work

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.

Advertisement

"So we decided to install digital displays along the walk connected to live feeds from the public – ten million amateur coaches."

Topics
Advertisement
machibet777.com