Sweden vs Denmark - Coach Erik Hamren: Sweden must work as a team

Posted Saturday, November 14, 2015 by PA

Sweden coach Erik Hamren accepts his team cannot solely rely on Zlatan Ibrahimovic in their Euro 2016 qualification play-off with neighbours Denmark.

Ibrahimovic, the prolific Paris Saint-Germain striker, is one of the stars of the European game and of crucial importance to his national side.

But Hamren recognises the rest of his side must also rise to the challenge as they face the Danes over two legs, starting with the first encounter at the Stockholm's Friends Arena on Saturday.

Hamren said at a press conference: "He is very important for us. He is the only world-class player we have. He means a lot, as a player and as a captain.

"But he can't win games alone. We need to have a strong unit. We need to be good as a team."

Hamren, who coached Danish side Aalborg from 2003 to 2008, feels there could be little between the sides.

He said: "When I came to Denmark I felt the football there was not as professionally organised as it was in Sweden. In recent years, that has changed. Football in the two countries is very similar these days.

"They are our closest neighbours and we share a long history. It's like when you have a fight with your sister or brother - you want to win."

One issue ahead of the game has been the state of the surface in Stockholm, which has been relaid following a recent motor show.

Denmark coach Morten Olsen said this week this means Sweden cannot have been expecting to be in the play-off round.

But Sweden found themselves facing such a scenario as they were pipped to second spot in Group G behind Austria by Russia.

Olsen told reporters in Denmark: "It is not good to hear. The Swedes had probably imagined that they were qualified for the European Championship directly. But let's take a look (at the pitch)."

Denmark finished third in Group I behind Portugal and surprise package Albania.

Brondby midfielder Thomas Kahlenberg, who is hoping to earn a recall for the first time in a year, said: "We must not let ourselves be carried away by the excitement and buzz. No-one demands it should all be done in half an hour in Stockholm - it is about two times 90 minutes.

"It will be two showdowns where both teams believe they have a good chance of going to France.

"Zlatan is good, but it is not all about him."