Brobbey sparks national controversy in Sweden: Potter defends Isak Hien, 'As long as I'm coach, he'll play'
By OnzeActu · · 2 min read
Brian Brobbey (Sunderland) scored twice against Sweden and his impact sent Isak Hien into turmoil. Graham Potter strongly defended his player, rejecting the scapegoat logic and taking collective responsibility for the defeat.
Brian Brobbey's show of force on Saturday against Sweden ignited the football debate in the Nordic country. The Sunderland striker was decisive, finding the net twice, and his duel with young defender Isak Hien focused Swedish criticism.
Several observers felt that Hien had been physically overwhelmed by Brobbey during the meeting, and media pressure quickly demanded accountability, with some going so far as to call for him to be benched.
Asked about this controversy, coach Graham Potter put the vindictiveness into perspective: “The defeat hurt. Everyone was disappointed,” he first admitted. “People like to find a scapegoat. They blame him and feel better. Brobbey is powerful, a real beast — he's a challenge for any defender. »
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Potter said he was not a fan of frenzied media reading but said he had been informed by the press of the request to remove Hien. And he hasn't changed his approach: “I love Hien, whatever others say. As long as I am coach here, he will play. »
The technician also insisted on the collective nature of the errors which precipitated Brobbey's goals: “There were a lot of errors elsewhere on the pitch before his goals. But it would be a game of who's right. If anyone should be blamed, it will be me. He is doing everything he can to represent his country with dignity and he is now receiving a lot of criticism because his opponent is scoring. »
The heavy defeat was a blow for Sweden, but Potter already wants to turn the page. “We weren't ourselves, but that happens sometimes in football. We made mistakes and against a high-level team, we cannot afford that. It was a blow to the face, but the boys worked well in training the next day. We will meet again on Tuesday evening and prepare for Japan. »
In the meantime, the debate on Isak Hien's place in the Swedish hinge risks remaining fueled by the national press. Graham Potter has decided publicly: as long as he is coach, Hien will be part of his plans.