Sweden's boss responds to Victor Lindelof's protest claims

Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof refused a request from Sweden before the international break.

The Scandinavians enter the European Championship with their first qualifying match against Romania on Saturday before heading to Norway on Tuesday.

The absence of Lindelof within the team was cited for "personal reasons", which is due to his wife expecting their first child in early April.

Reports in Sweden suggest that he snubbed his national team as a result of the failure of his best friend John Guidetti by manager Janne Andersson.

Andersson strongly denied these accusations and insisted that he had no resentment towards the United star after his decision.

"There has been little speculation about why he made his decision," Andersson said.

"Already yesterday, I said that I had a lot of respect and a great understanding of the decision.

"I can strongly deny that it's because another player has been removed.

"If that had been the case, I would not have had the respect or understanding of the decision."

The exclusion of the Alaves striker, Guidetti, formerly of Manchester City and Celtic, has caused much controversy.

He responded with a goal on the weekend followed by a finger to the fingertip – but Andersson said that there is always respect between the duo.

"We are talking to each other, if someone now believed anything else.

"They are wise about these players and we have great respect for each other's roles," said Andersson.

"It's clear that he feels disappointed at not being in the team, but we both have a lot of respect for each other's roles."