Sweden manager gives Helander his support
Sweden manager Janne Andersson has welcomed Rangers’ decision to bring Filip Helander back into their Europa League squad.
The twenty-six-yearold defender became the Light Blues’ mostexpensive buy of the summer when he signed for £3.5 million from Bologna.
However, despite his pedigree, he has struggled to break into the team, finding his route blocked by the partnership of Connor Goldson and Nicola Katic.
And while he did make a goalscoring appearance against East Fife, it was followed by the surprise news that he had been dropped from the travelling party for Legia Warsaw to accomodate new signing, Brandon Barker.
To his, and Andersson’s, relief, though, Helander was recalled and made the substitutes’ bench.
“We always want our players to play as much as possible and in the best leagues possible,” said the Sweden boss. “In my dream world, all our players would play every game, week in, week out.
“Unfortunately, that isn’t usually the case.
“It is, of course, positive that Filip is part of the squad, and I know that he had a good debut game for Rangers.
“He is a solid defender, big and strong and able to read the game in a good way. I think he can help Rangers a lot this season.”
Andersson’s vote of confidence is significant as the 56-year-old will this week name his squad for the Euro 2020 qualifiers against the Faroe Islands and Norway.
“A lot can happen in football, so I don’t want to precede my selection. But Filip has shown that he is ready when called upon,” said Andersson.
“In our last games against Malta and Spain in June, he played well.
“I hope he gets the opportunity to play as much as possible with his new club. But, like I say, a lot can happen before the games in September.”
Longer term, the national manager is also backing Helander to win a regular place in the side.
“Being a professional footballer in today’s game, you are used to having strong competition for your position in the squad,” he said.
“If handled the right way, that competition can make a player better and more determined. “From what I know of Filip, he will handle it the right way and prove that he belongs in the starting line-up.
“To get better, you have to play games. Hopefully he will get the opportunity to play more games in an environment that is good for his development as a footballer.
“I trust that the player and the people around him have made a smart choice, and that Rangers is the right club for Filip.”