Leeds United star Gabriel Gudmundsson blasted by his country’s media for ‘gross mistake’

Add as preferred source on Google

Graham Potter’s first game as Sweden boss ended in a dismal 4-1 defeat to Switzerland on Saturday night, with Leeds United’s Gabriel Gudmundsson guilty of a big mistake.

Following the end of the October international break, the Sweden FA chose to fire Jon Dahl Tomasson, with Sweden managing just one point from four games in their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Going into Saturday night’s clash against Switzerland, the first of two final games remaining in Group B of World Cup qualifying, Sweden hired Graham Potter to take on Switzerland, then Slovenia on Tuesday.

After Switzerland had taken the lead, Sweden equalised through Celtic’s Benjamin Nygren. Potter decided to bring Leeds’ Gudmundsson on just after half-time, his first substitution as Sweden’s new manager.

• READ MORE: What Ivan Toney thinks about joining Leeds in January as £25m claim made

Gabriel Gudmundsson hammered by Swedish media for mistake

With the scores level at 1-1, Gudmundsson attempted to play the ball back to former Leeds transfer target Viktor Johansson. The pass was underhit, Breel Embolo stole in and won a penalty for Switzerland.

Granit Xhaka duly converted, before Switzerland went on to win 4-1. After the game, Swedish outlet Fotboll Skanalen gave Gudmundsson the worst rating out of five, branding his error a “gross mistake”.

“Responsible for a very weak pass home that led to the penalty. Sweden can’t afford that type of gross mistake against this kind of opposition. Also, not enough against Ndoye in connection with the 3-1 goal.”

The real Gabriel Gudmundsson is becoming clearer to Leeds fans

Ask the majority of Leeds fans and they will say that Gudmundsson is certainly in the top three of the club’s summer signings so far. Sean Longstaff and Noah Okafor have also been worthwhile additions.

But there is an error in Gudmundsson and fans are beginning to realise it. While he has always been one of Leeds’ better players this season, the former Lille man has been guilty of some lapses in concentration.

Whether it be his slip against Tottenham that saw Mohammed Kudus score, albeit via a deflection. Or, his bizarre header against Fulham. A good signing at left-back and better than most, but capable of a howler.

Ultimately, that is why Gudmundsson was available for £10m. If he were able to stamp that part of his game out, then he would be with a Champions League club. But he’s capable of an error, so he’s at Leeds.