Fulham midfielder Hugo Larsson has defended his outspoken approach after admitting he wanted more playing time during Sweden's latest international fixtures.
The 22-year-old has endured a difficult start to the season for both club and country after joining Fulham from Eintracht Frankfurt on an initial loan with a reported €22million obligation to buy.
Larsson has yet to start a Premier League match under Alvaro Arbeloa and has played just over 30 minutes in the competition, although he started Fulham's League Cup meeting with West Ham.
His situation became a major talking point in Sweden after Graham Potter initially left him out of the national squad before injuries resulted in a late call-up.
Larsson admits frustration over Sweden role
Larsson has also struggled to secure a consistent starting position at international level.
Speaking to Aftonbladet after coming off the bench against Romania on Monday, he acknowledged that he had wanted to play from the start.
“Disappointed and disappointed… I felt ready and wanted to play,” Larsson said. “But as I said before: I’m here to be available when he wants me and I was in the second half today.
“We won and I got to play a lot so everything is good.”
The midfielder believes his chances of establishing himself for Sweden when the November international break arrives could be determined by what happens at Fulham over the coming weeks.
“It probably depends on how things are going at Fulham now,” he said. “But I have probably strengthened my shares now compared to before the meeting.”
Fulham midfielder refuses to change outspoken approach
Larsson's willingness to speak publicly about his situation has divided opinion in Sweden, but he has no intention of changing his personality because of the criticism.
“I think it’s because I’ve talked a lot before here in the national team,” he said. “Some have liked it, others haven’t. I’ve just stood up for myself and done what I felt like.
“Then people can think what they want and that has obviously led to divided opinions.”
Asked whether he had any regrets, Larsson maintained that he did not believe he had done anything wrong.
“I don’t see it as me doing anything wrong,” he said. “I’ve run my race. Then it’s probably divided opinions.”
His comments make his position clear, but regular football remains the most direct route towards changing the discussion surrounding him.
Fulham opportunities could determine Larsson's Sweden place
Larsson's immediate challenge is establishing himself under Arbeloa.
His limited Premier League involvement means there is little club form for Potter to assess when making international selections, something Larsson himself recognises ahead of the November break.
A run of opportunities at Fulham would therefore carry significance beyond his position at Craven Cottage. More minutes would give Larsson the chance to strengthen his club role while simultaneously making a stronger case for greater responsibility with Sweden.
Key Points
- Hugo Larsson has played just over 30 Premier League minutes since joining Fulham.
- Sweden manager Graham Potter initially omitted him from the latest squad before injuries led to a late call-up.
- Larsson admitted he wanted more international playing time but accepted Potter's selection decision.
- The midfielder believes his November Sweden prospects will depend partly on his performances for Fulham.
- Larsson says he does not regret speaking openly despite divided opinion surrounding him in Sweden.
What’s Next?
Larsson now returns to Fulham needing regular club football before Sweden's next international fixtures in November. With the midfielder acknowledging the connection between his Fulham form and his national-team prospects, opportunities under Arbeloa over the coming weeks could have a direct influence on his position in Potter's squad.
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