The former Aston Villa star insisted that tension in the squad can be a positive, and pointed to World Cup 2006 as an example of his national side performing under pressure
Olof Mellberg has dismissed suggestions of unrest affecting the Sweden squad for Euro 2012, claiming that "good mood in a camp is overrated".The Olympiakos defender was at the centre of an infamous training ground spat with ex-Arsenal star Freddie Ljungberg at the 2002 World Cup and reports of the pair scrapping again emerged during the tournament in Germany four years later.
However, the former Aston Villa star has moved to play down suggestions that such unrest can prove disruptive, insisting that critics can get carried away with the notion of a positive mood within a squad.
He told reporters: "People are so focused about whether the mood in our camp is good or bad. Good mood in a camp is overrated I think. There has got to be some nerve in there.
“It’s obviously an advantage if everything works flawlessly. But people shouldn´t be obsessed with it. During final tournaments things will happen that you cannot plan ahead for. “
The 34-year-old stressed that tension can in fact work in a team’s favour, and pointed to Sweden's successful opening game against Paraguay in 2006 following a disappointing warm-up campaign.
“My experience is that when there is tension within the squad, then it will have a positive effect,” he continued.
“Just look at the World Cup in 2006 after we drew with Trinidad & Tobago. Everybody was unhappy. The players, the coaches, the media, the fans. But it made us ready for the clash against Paraguay which we then won 1-0."
Mellberg is expected to line up for his country on Tuesday evening, as Sweden take on Serbia in their final warm-up game before Euro 2012 begins this week.
