Jonas Olsson feels criticism of West Bromwich Albion's defence this season has been justified.
Swede accepts blame, but is praised by manager
Jonas Olsson feels criticism of West Bromwich Albion's defence this season has been justified.
The tall Swede opened the scoring against Sunderland on Saturday but admitted that keeping a clean sheet was more important to him.
"The clean sheet gave me a lot more pleasure than the goal," said Olsson.
"It is always nice to score and there is no greater feeling on a football pitch.
"But there has been a lot of criticism for the defence during the season and I can understand why because we've conceded a lot of goals."
Olsson admits that the Baggies defence has let the team down, but was also quick to point out that it is a team game.
"I think the criticism has been fair. You can't close your eyes to reality. We concede a lot of goals so I think it's fair criticism.
"But it's not only the back four. You defend as a team and attack as a team with all 11 players."
Meanwhile, West Brom boss Tony Mowbray has praised his January signing. Despite some costly errors, Mowbray feel Olsson could become a fantastic player.
"I like Jonas. He is 6ft 4in, a wonderful footballer, a real man, a competitor," said the Baggies chief.
"I think he is going to develop, when he gets used to the English game, into a top player.
"I will be fielding bids for him because he is good with the ball and top teams could use players like that.
"Yet, look at the penalty he gave away against Manchester City last week. We get back to 2-2 and he goes and lunges in and we go 3-2 down. But it doesn't mean I want to get rid of him.
"He cost us at Man City and there have been other occasions but I'd have him in my team all day long."
