Calle Halfvarsson has had a difficult season.
Thus, there were big question marks about the 31-year-old's form before the World Cup.
The skiathlon was a difficult experience for Halfvarsson.
He broke the race, and was cracked afterwards.
"Calle stirs emotions"
Halfvarsson has received criticism from TV viewers and on social media in recent years.
National team manager Anders Byström defends him.
- Calle stirs emotions, it seems so.
He has done a lot for Swedish skiing over the years, he has meant a lot for Swedish men's skiing so I think it is unfair that he should get so much shit, says Byström and continues:
- He does what he can, he tries to get help.
He tries to find advice and people who can help him.
But he has not managed to get there this year.
I think it's very sad that he gets so much shit.
He does what he can.
Gonna talk tonight
After today's race, Halfvarsson said that he might interrupt the season.
Byström says that the national team management will talk to Halfvarsson.
- We talk to him tonight and then we evaluate whether he should stay in the World Cup or go home, Byström says.