Lindgren: "Lack of experience cost us"

Thursday 20 November 2008

Yesterday's friendly between Holland and Sweden was special for Rasmus Lindgren as the Ajax midfielder made his debut for Swedish national team and did it in very familiar surroundings.

"It's very special to make my debut in the ArenA for this is my home soil," Lindgren told FCUpdate.nl.

"Sadly I wasn't able to celebrate my debut with a victory. Holland played well. We were suffering and had to cover a lot of ground. We were constantly one man short in midfield and should have stayed calmer in possession. For me personally it went all right but it was a pity we had to do without key players like Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Olof Mellberg."

But it was mainly due to the many absentees that players like Lindgren and Groningen striker Markus Berg got a chance to start for Sweden.

"Yes, I think this game was a good opportunity for the manager to see what the new generation can do. But the lack of experience cost us. When we are complete we can offer a much better game."