Jon Dahl Tomasson, the head coach of the Swedish men’s national football team, emphasizes a concept he calls ”non-verbal, verbal communication,” which boils down to precise and rapid passing. This philosophy, summed up by the Danish word ”afstemme” (meaning ”to adjust” or ”to coordinate”), dictates a quick, one- or two-touch passing game within a mere one or two seconds. Tomasson believes this constant, fluid movement and predictable passing creates an on-field dialogue, allowing players to anticipate movements and develop a shared understanding of the game’s flow. This approach contrasts with dribbling, which Tomasson discourages as it introduces unpredictability and hinders the development of a cohesive team identity. He believes this rapid passing game will create more scoring opportunities for his team.
This footballing philosophy is central to Tomasson’s vision for the Swedish national team, a vision he has been implementing since taking over the role almost a year ago. He aims to instill an ”international” and ”modern” style of play, prioritizing an attacking mindset and aiming to entertain the fans. This approach is a significant departure from the more traditionally defensive style Sweden has historically employed. Tomasson’s extensive experience playing and coaching across Europe has shaped his footballing ideals, bringing a continental flair to the Swedish team. He sees this modern approach as being dominant, controlling the game both with and without the ball.
Tomasson’s multi-lingual background – he describes himself as ”European” rather than Danish – facilitates his communication with players and the media, although he primarily uses English in Sweden to ensure clear understanding. His coaching philosophy centers around a set of twelve principles, with the quick passing game being a core tenet. Another key principle is the immediate recovery of the ball after possession is lost. Tomasson encourages his players to take risks in the build-up, emphasizing that mistakes are part of the process and that he takes responsibility for errors in that phase of play. He values quick reactions to mistakes and uses video analysis to illustrate successful implementation of this principle.
Tomasson’s approach has led to some unexpected selections and shifts in player roles within the team. Hugo Larsson, a young midfielder, faced criticism for not adhering to the quick, vertical passing style, while Yasin Ayari, formerly a U21 player, has flourished under Tomasson’s guidance. This highlights the coach’s focus on selecting players who fit his system and his willingness to give opportunities to those who embrace his philosophy. He and his team actively scout and monitor 55 players based on their adherence to the team’s principles. This focus on specific player attributes is crucial to Tomasson’s vision.
The forward line, spearheaded by the likes of Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyökeres, and Dejan Kulusevski, has been a focal point of Tomasson’s system. While he hadn’t initially planned for these three players to become so integral to the team’s strategy, their individual brilliance and compatibility have shaped the team’s dynamics. Tomasson stresses the importance of creating the right conditions for these star players to thrive, describing the rest of the team as ”carrying the piano” while the three forwards ”play it.” This analogy emphasizes the collective effort and the different roles within the team, acknowledging the importance of each player’s contribution to the overall success.
Under Tomasson, Sweden has adopted a high-intensity, fast-paced, and demanding style of play. He emphasizes the importance of enjoyment in football, believing that players perform at their best when they are passionate and having fun. He views football as a dynamic and flowing game, and his team’s performances reflect this philosophy. While this attacking approach carries inherent risks, Tomasson dismisses concerns about naivety, emphasizing the team’s control and the relatively low number of chances they concede. He believes this energized, positive approach not only benefits the players but also entertains the fans, creating a shared sense of excitement and enjoyment around the national team.
