Larsson eyes regular action

Blues midfielder looks to future under new coach

By Richard Torgerson   Last updated: 13th October 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Larsson eyes regular action

Larsson: Hoping for regular Sweden role

Related links

Teams

Players

Also see

Sebastian Larsson is hoping his international fortunes with Sweden improve when Lars Lagerback stands down as manager.

Lagerback has been in charge since 2000, but with Sweden looking likely to miss out on a World Cup play-off place to Portugal the coach has been forced to consider his future.

The 61-year-old has revealed that he will step down at the end of the qualifying campaign or after the World Cup should Sweden beat Albania and Portugal lose or draw to Malta on Wednesday.

The news should come as a boost to the Birmingham City midfielder having had to make do with a place on the bench under Lagerback.

"The goal is to be a starting player in the national team," he told Fotbollskanalen.

"Of course I am grateful to be selected, but my goals are higher than that. It is my goal to be selected for the starting XI and be a regular in it."

Sven Goran Eriksson's name has been touted as a possible replacement while some senior Swedish players are backing Henrik Larsson to take charge.

However the 24-year-old refused to be dragged into the debate, adding: "The important thing when you look for a replacement is not to lock yourself but to be open to new solutions.

"Of course he needs to be tactically able and do everything to get a group in harmony. I don't have a name, I don't think you should lock yourself to someone, but he must be open to new ideas."