Sweden

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Lagerback vows to stay on

20 Jun 2008 - 07:18:37

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Coach Lars Lagerback has no intention of stepping down following Sweden's failure to reach the knockout stages at Euro 2008.

Sweden's 2-0 defeat to Russia in their final group game on Wednesday left them third in Group D and out of the tournament.

Lagerback's side had been favourites to finish as runners-up to group winners Spain as they required only a draw to progress to the quarter-finals.

Referring to his own and assistant Tommy Soderberg's future, he said: "There is nothing to discuss. We have got a contract which expires in 2010."

Meanwhile, defender Olof Mellberg insists he has no plans to retire from international football despite the early exit.

The Juventus-bound 30-year-old has been part of the international scene for eight years.

"When you lose, go out of a tournament or struggle, it is disappointing, but I always felt it is an honour to play for the national team," he said.

"You want to pay back everything the nation has given you. So it's just a case of fighting back and if the manager picks me, I'll be there to give 100 per cent."