Swedish FA chairman Lars Ake Lagrell has given his backing to national team coach Lars Lagerback after the country's World Cup exit.

The Swedes were eliminated after a 2-0 defeat to hosts Germany in the second round and their performances, along with Lagerback's defence of his side following their goalless draw with Trinidad & Tobago, have been strongly criticised.

But Lagrell backed the coach to see out his contract, which expires in 2008, and insisted his dismissal had not even become a matter for discussion.

"To answer the question of whether he should be fired, someone needs to ask it," Lagrell told Swedish newspaper Expressen.

"The general feeling tells me that no one is interested in that."

Lagerback, who has been in charge since 2000, has took Sweden to four consecutive major championships and that experience is a significant factor in the retention of his services.

"He has had great results - you cannot argue with that," Lagrell added. "The reaction after the World Cup has been exaggerated.

"Of course people are disappointed, but if you look at it objectively, the criticism has been too harsh."