Fulham defender Joachim Andersen has detailed how he was left feeling “powerless” on international duty with Denmark this week.
Tipsbladet report comments from the 29-year-old today. the Fulham defender was forced to miss the 4-0 win over North Macedonia in the World Cup playoff semi-final this week, an experience he didn’t enjoy.
“Feeling powerless”
He’s a part of the Danish squad for their crucial World Cup qualifying fixtures this week, but missed the big win on Thursday due to a suspension
That was against his will, to say the least. And was not an enjoyable experience, particularly during a goalless first half.
“It wasn’t that great. It was actually terrible,” he said during Saturday’s press conference at Marienlyst Strandhotel in Helsingør.
“I wasn’t sitting calmly up there. You feel a bit powerless, and you feel that things are not in control when you’re sitting up there.
“When you’re on the field, it’s a completely different feeling. It was a very strange experience, which I don’t think I’ve ever had before. It wasn’t great.”
Back for the final
Andersen’s attention now turns to the final against Czechia on Tuesday. He’s not sure if he’ll be back in for that game yet, leaving the decision to Denmark coach Brian Riemer.
“We’ll have to see. You’ll have to ask the coach about that,” he added, with a laugh.
While most of his teammates have said that the make or break matches this week don’t affect them mentally, the Fulham defender is taking a different approach. He’ll happily admit to butterflies.
“It’s a bit nerve-wracking. It’s something I’ve never experienced before,” he concluded.
“While I’ve been on the national team, it’s always been easy, and we’ve blown through it all in the qualifiers. So, it’s an unfamiliar position, but I think it’s very healthy for us to get a slap in the face, so you don’t always think it’s so easy and rosy.
“That’s where you show how strong and good your mentality is. We just have to show that we’re good enough, as we all say we are.
“It’s going to be a crazy cool match and something you dream about – playing exciting and important matches.”
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