FANS were left doing a double take after spotting former Premier League midfielder Sebastian Larsson in an unexpected role, as assistant manager for Sweden under Graham Potter.
Larsson, widely regarded as royalty after a long and respected career in English football with the likes of , City, Sunderland and Hull City, is now part of the coaching set-up for Sweden.
Sweden coach Graham Potter with his coaching staff including Sebastian Larsson Credit: Getty
Sebastian Larsson spent most of his playing career in the Championship Credit: Bradley Ormesher – The Times
The 41-year-old also enjoyed an impressive international career, earning more than 100 caps for the Swedish national team and becoming a key figure for his country across multiple major tournaments.
But it was his surprise appearance on the touchline ahead of Sweden’s clash with the Netherlands that caught fans off guard.
During the pre-match national anthems, viewers noticed Larsson standing alongside former and Brighton boss in the Sweden dugout, sparking immediate confusion and excitement online.
Once his role as assistant was confirmed, supporters quickly took to X to express their shock at seeing the ex-midfielder back in international football in a coaching capacity.
Fans described the appointment as “unexpected”, with many admitting they had not realised Larsson had moved into coaching.
While others praised Sweden for bringing in a figure with “real Premier League experience” to support Potter’s project.
Some supporters also joked that the sight of Larsson on the touchline felt like a “throwback to the Premier League era”, given his long career in England’s top flight and the Championship.
One said: “Championship ROYALTY Sebastian Larsson on the Sweden coaching staff.
Fans were surprised to see Larsson on the touchline Credit: Action Images – Reuters
Another added: “Sebastian Larsson.”
Despite the online buzz, Sweden’s focus remained firmly on the pitch as they took on the Netherlands in a high-profile international fixture, with Potter’s new-look coaching team under the spotlight.
Larsson’s transition into coaching marks a new chapter in a career that saw him become one of the most reliable midfielders of his generation in English football, and now a surprising new face in international management.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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