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Lars Lagerback will return to work with the Sweden national team in an advisory role alongside new manager Janne Anderson, the Swedish Football Association has confirmed. Lagerback, 68, coached Sweden in three European Championships and two World Cups, reaching the quarterfinal of Euro 2004 and the round of 16 at both the 2002 and 2006 World Cups. However, his time in charge ended following failure to qualify for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Speaking about his return, Lagerback said: "It feels great. I know Janne from before, he's a person I both appreciate and respect. "Moreover, it is fun to stay connected to top-level football, but Janne is the one who ultimately controls my assignment, what I should be doing and should not." Lagerback led Iceland to the quarterfinals at Euro 2016, their first major international tournament, knocking England out in the round of 16. He hinted afterwards that he could step away from full-time coaching, but Anderson explained how the opportunity to work with him had come about by chance. "To learn more about my job, I have spoken to a number of very experienced and talented people including several current and former national managers," he said. "When I talked to [Lagerback] I felt we clicked on issues about values and fundamental views. That's why I wanted to tie him to the national team." Sweden were knocked out of Euro 2016 at the group stage after defeats to Italy and Belgium followed an opening game draw with Republic of Ireland. They begin their qualification campaign for the 2018 World Cup with a home game against Netherlands in September.
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