Ex-Chelsea Coach Praises Salzburg Youngster: "Lots of Potential"

John Mellberg (20) has been called up to Sweden's senior national team again after June 2025. He replaces an injured player. The Salzburg player is thus training under national team coach Graham Potter for the first time.

The former Chelsea coach describes the 20-year-old as a player with "a lot of quality and potential".

It is currently not certain whether centre-back Gustaf Kagerbielke will be fit in time. Should that be the case, Mellberg could also return to the U21s. "We will decide that in due course," said Potter.

Meeting the Goalkeeper

Mellberg, meanwhile, has already introduced himself, and during training, according to "footballskanalen," he caught Stoke goalkeeper Viktor Johansson with his studs. The 28-year-old reportedly cried out loudly but was still able to continue.

"Such things happen," the goalkeeper is not angry with him. Mellberg's senior team debut is still on the horizon. He was not fielded during his first call-up.