Stockholm - Sweden will batten down the hatches in preparations for its key Euro 2008 group match against Russia on Wednesday, local news reports said on Monday. Coach Lars Lagerback said that players were not to talk to the press and to rest up, read, relax, play golf or just train lightly on Monday before an early evening review of tactics against Russia.
Lagerback would take questions on his own at a scheduled news conference on Monday.
"The players have not made such demands, it is entirely our decision," Lagerback was quoted as telling Stockholm daily Dagens Nyheter.
"Our assessment is that it has been a hectic period, physically and mentally," Lagerback told Swedish media of the decision to halt the daily half-hour session with a few players and media.
On Tuesday, Lagerback was to meet the media along with team captain Fredrik Ljungberg.
A draw against Russia is sufficient for Sweden to qualify from Group D for a quarter-final spot along with group winner Spain.
