Former Premier League boss defends Leeds United star after World Cup error

Sweden manager Graham Potter has leapt to the defence of Leeds United defender Gabriel Gudmundsson after he was subjected to criticism in the wake of his latest international appearance.

The former Lille full-back had hoped to help Sweden take some positive from what has been a bitterly disappointing World Cup qualifying campaign after they collected just a solitary point from their first four group fixtures with Switzerland, Kosovo and Slovenia.

That run was extended to a fifth game on Saturday night when Potter’s side suffered a 4-1 defeat against group winners Switzerland in what was the first game of his interim reign. Breel Embolo fired the Swiss in front on 12 minutes but Celtic star Benjamin Nygren got the Swedes back on level-terms just after the half-hour mark. However, a Gudmundsson mistake led to a penalty that allowed the hosts to reclaim their advantage as Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka made no mistake from 12 yards.

Two goals in the last 15 minutes from Nottingham Forest winger Dan Ndoye and Freiburg youngster Johan Manzambi ensured the Swiss strolled out of sight and claimed another three points in what has been an impressive qualifying campaign.

Gudmundsson’s error received widespread criticism across the Swedish media with Fotboll Skanalen giving him a match rating of one out of five and stating: “Responsible for a very weak pass home that led to the penalty. Sweden can’t afford that type of gross mistake against this kind of opposition. Also, not enough against Ndoye in connection with the 3-1 goal.”

Mistakes

However, Sweden head coach Potter has leapt to the defence of the Whites’ star and stressed the need to support Gudmundsson after he experienced a ‘tough week’ ahead of the game.

Speaking via Sportbladet, the former Brighton, West Ham and Chelsea boss said: "It's part of football. Mistakes happen and we win and lose as a team. He's had a tough week dealing with an injury. It hasn't been easy but he's an honest player. He wants the team to play well. It's part of life and we move on and support him.”

Your next Leeds United read: Harry Gray Leeds United transfer latest as four Championship clubs eye January move - Alan Nixon