AIK and Malmo are two clubs that consistently vie for the Allsvenskan title. As the 2026 season kicks off, both teams are adapting to new management. However, under the leadership of Otto Rosengren at Malmo and Erik Flataker at AIK, both coaches express strong optimism for the upcoming campaign.
Rosengren has ample reason to feel positive, especially after Malmo triumphed over AIK with a hard-fought 1-0 victory at Strawberry Arena, marking a return to success following an earlier stumble this season. In contrast, AIK has faced consecutive defeats after a bright start.
You played a crucial role in the goal – while you didn’t score or assist, your creative impact was significant.
“That’s right! I wish we could have hockey assists in football too! Being involved in the goal was fantastic, and the pass from Haksa (Sead Haksabanovic) to Erik (Botheim) was delightful, so that goal is mainly theirs.”
The match was secured through a solid performance from your goalkeeper, Johan Dahlin, especially late in the second half. How does he maintain such form at 39?
“He’s incredible! I hope I look like that when I’m 39! His fitness level is top-notch, and he invests a lot of effort to stay in such great shape. It’s outstanding to have three keepers in the squad performing at the highest level in the Allsvenskan, and Johan was exceptional today.”
You’ve recorded two significant away victories against Djurgarden and now AIK. Are these the types of matches you are managing to win this season that eluded you last year?
“Absolutely! We struggled last season to secure wins like these on the road. Now we carry a winning mentality and are prepared to do whatever it takes to clinch those victories. This mindset comes from our manager (Miguel Angel Ramirez), but it’s also about us players as a collective. We’ve bonded and are now fighting for each other, and that can lead to considerable success.”
Including the league title this time around?
“We’ll do everything within our power to achieve that! That’s our aspiration.”
Flataker was introduced early in the second half to enhance AIK’s offensive threat. The Norwegian provided added dynamism to an attack that proved far more threatening with him on the field, yet the Stockholm side couldn’t find the net.
Despite the second defeat in five matches at the start of the season, the forward remains confident that AIK can achieve the greatness expected of a club of their stature, even if they are still “rookies” under new manager Jose Riveiro.
You created numerous opportunities but failed to convert. How would you evaluate your team’s attacking display?
“Firstly, I believe we lacked courage early on—we didn’t press with the same intensity as we did in the second half. But after the break, we demonstrated heart, rallied the fans, and came close. Unfortunately, football can be unfair at times! The ball didn’t go in for us today, and we dropped the points.”
What areas should the team focus on during training after a match like this, where you executed everything well apart from finding the net against an exceptional goalkeeper?
“That’s a great question! I think we just need to continue working on the plans we had in place before and aim for improvements. The goals and points will come, I’m convinced. We must stay united—now that’s crucial.”
With a relatively new manager, do you feel his vision is being realised, or is it still a work in progress?
“No, I believe we understand his expectations now, and we have to refine our execution. As he says, we’re still babies! We’ll mature, then we’ll transition to teenagers, and eventually grow into adults! Building something cohesive takes time—this is just the beginning. I’m confident it’ll turn out well!”
After being unbeaten for three matches, you’ve fallen short against two leading clubs in Swedish football. Do you still harbour confidence in your ability to compete with these top teams?
“Absolutely, the objective is always to win! AIK is a club that belongs at the top, and I believe we can achieve that this year. As witnessed in the second half against Malmo, we created more chances, especially after the break, yet they still earned the three points. We just need to keep pushing forward, and I anticipate a promising year ahead.”
Compiled by SportArena.au
Fanpage: SportArena.au.
LiveScore – Live Sports Results & Odds.
