Today, Wednesday, Hammarby appointed Michael Andersson as new MD.
Former MD Henrik Appelqvist, who's sat in that position in 6 years, has decided to step down. He will be remembered as the person who made Hammarby a joint stock company and got Hammarby a new arena.
Wednesday 30 April 2008
The importance of Winners
Now what the hell am I talking about? Of course it's important to have winners in the team! Well, yeah, but the lack of winners in Hammarby right now is starting to take it's toll. And I'm not happy about it.
The composition of a squad is not merely about how the individuals play. Sure, you need a balance between more defensive, physical players and offensive, more technical players. In Hammarby we have both. In fact, I'd say the potential in Hammarby is quite high. However, apart from pure technical skills on the field, another factor is just as important - perhaps more. You can't see it, in fact no one ever has. It's an abstract asset, it's difficult to point out if you have it, but the LACK OF IT is obvious. Yeah, I'm talking about winners.
To have one or preferably several instigators on the field is often decisive. I'm talking about players that see every match over the whole season as equally important. If it's an away game vs Trelleborg or a hot derby vs Djurgården is equivalent to these persons. Why? Because the have a fire inside of them, a need to win at every cost. Every match, every situation on the field, every half should be won in their world.
A problem with Hammarby today is that the Winners attract attention by not being present. in my opinion, there's only one true winner in the squad of Hammarby this year, Mikkel Jensen. And that's a problem, as he has been injured for a long period of time and now he's injured again. We had another winner last year, Sebastian Eguren, but he's currently in Spain and start match after match with his Villarreal. When Mikkel Jensen isn't on the field we have 11 anxious players running around, most of them looking unhappy and quite lost. It's as if they're wondering what the hell they're doing there in the first place.
If that wasn't enough, the lack of attitude in some individuals are painfully apparent. The thing is, no one ever became a good football player by performing very well in some matches the season before and the season after doing nothing. It's hard work every training and every match the whole year around that make a player brilliant. If not, you're just mediocre. And as painfully as it's true, that's the situation in Hammarby today.
The composition of a squad is not merely about how the individuals play. Sure, you need a balance between more defensive, physical players and offensive, more technical players. In Hammarby we have both. In fact, I'd say the potential in Hammarby is quite high. However, apart from pure technical skills on the field, another factor is just as important - perhaps more. You can't see it, in fact no one ever has. It's an abstract asset, it's difficult to point out if you have it, but the LACK OF IT is obvious. Yeah, I'm talking about winners.
To have one or preferably several instigators on the field is often decisive. I'm talking about players that see every match over the whole season as equally important. If it's an away game vs Trelleborg or a hot derby vs Djurgården is equivalent to these persons. Why? Because the have a fire inside of them, a need to win at every cost. Every match, every situation on the field, every half should be won in their world.
A problem with Hammarby today is that the Winners attract attention by not being present. in my opinion, there's only one true winner in the squad of Hammarby this year, Mikkel Jensen. And that's a problem, as he has been injured for a long period of time and now he's injured again. We had another winner last year, Sebastian Eguren, but he's currently in Spain and start match after match with his Villarreal. When Mikkel Jensen isn't on the field we have 11 anxious players running around, most of them looking unhappy and quite lost. It's as if they're wondering what the hell they're doing there in the first place.
If that wasn't enough, the lack of attitude in some individuals are painfully apparent. The thing is, no one ever became a good football player by performing very well in some matches the season before and the season after doing nothing. It's hard work every training and every match the whole year around that make a player brilliant. If not, you're just mediocre. And as painfully as it's true, that's the situation in Hammarby today.
Swedish Cup; Matchday 2
Hammarby enter the National Cup with a semi-difficult match away vs Syrianska FC tomorrow at 17.00.
The match is played at Södertälje Arena, 25 kilometers south of Stockholm.
Hammarby have had a tough period with losses against Trelleborg and Kalmar, both away, and two draws at home vs AIK and Elfsborg. Perhaps this match will make it possible for the players to relax a bit and play the good football we all know they can.
The squad is presented later today or tomorrow.
The match is played at Södertälje Arena, 25 kilometers south of Stockholm.
Hammarby have had a tough period with losses against Trelleborg and Kalmar, both away, and two draws at home vs AIK and Elfsborg. Perhaps this match will make it possible for the players to relax a bit and play the good football we all know they can.
The squad is presented later today or tomorrow.
Monday 28 April 2008
Matchday 8: Trelleborg vs Hammarby 1-0
Horrible. Absolutely mindless. Mindbogglingly, horrific, painfully fair result. 1-0 to Trelleborg, and Hammarby wasn't even close.
This is the kind of match that you HAVE to win if you want to compete for the title. As it was, Hammarby didn't put in much of an effort. I don't know if the players are tired or if they really are this bad. But something has to be done, first of all in the defensive part. Some fucking balls, that's what we need.
Rami Shaaban was back in the goal, and I guess he was OK, but had no chance on the penalty that Trelleborg got in the 25th minute.
Starting lineup:
----------------------Shaaban-------------------
-D.Johansson----Monteiro-Traoré-E.Johansson-
----------------------Jensen--------------------
-Laitinen------------Andersson------------Helg-
-------------Guará---------------Davies--------
Subs: Saarenpää, Castro-Tello and Söderberg.
This is the kind of match that you HAVE to win if you want to compete for the title. As it was, Hammarby didn't put in much of an effort. I don't know if the players are tired or if they really are this bad. But something has to be done, first of all in the defensive part. Some fucking balls, that's what we need.
Rami Shaaban was back in the goal, and I guess he was OK, but had no chance on the penalty that Trelleborg got in the 25th minute.
Starting lineup:
----------------------Shaaban-------------------
-D.Johansson----Monteiro-Traoré-E.Johansson-
----------------------Jensen--------------------
-Laitinen------------Andersson------------Helg-
-------------Guará---------------Davies--------
Subs: Saarenpää, Castro-Tello and Söderberg.
Thursday 24 April 2008
Matchday 7: Hammarby vs Elfsborg 0-0
At the end this match turned out to be a real sleeper. It now shows quite clearly that the frequent match program is beginning to take it's toll.
The first ten minutes of the game was Hammarby's. Nice combinations, especially on the left flank, gave Hammarby some opportunities, but the inefficiency in front of the goal was apparent.
Supporters raised their eyebrows when they saw the starting lineup, instead of a more traditionally offensive 4-4-2, Hammarby started with a 4-2-3-1 line up with Paulinho Guará as the only striker.
Throughout the match, Elfsborg had more shots on goal and they did seem a bit more focused while on the offensive part. However, on the whole this was a match between two injury-struck teams, and the frequent matches are beginning to tire the players.
Simon Helg did a fresh substitution at the end of the match, we'll see a lot more from him the coming matches. Sebastian Castro-Tello had the fattest chance with his shot in the bar.
Hammarby starting lineup:
----------------------Björklund---------------------
-D.Johansson-Monteiro---Traoré-----E.Johansson-
--------------Jensen----------Laitinen-------------
-Zengin--------------Andersson--------CastroTello-
-----------------------Guará-----------------------
Subs: Davies, Söderberg, Helg.
Tuesday 22 April 2008
Tomorrow: Hammarby vs Elfsborg
Hammarby on fifth place face a difficult match vs Elfsborg, currently on seventh place in the table.
With injuries on Mikkel Jensen, Suleyman Sleyman and Louay Chanko, coach Tony Gustavsson stand before one of his largest challenge this season.
Both defensive midfielders are out, and the need for a new disposition in the starting line up is high. The question is, how will Tony act? At the same time, the discussion in media regarding the goal keeping situation continue, after Kristoffer "Poppen" Björklund's excellent performance in the last three matches.
Tony Gustavsson is forced to do changes, but I'm also inclined to believe that he'll change the goal keeper. In a long point of view, it is of the utmost importance that Hammarby have to good, motivated goal keepers. Rami Shaaban missed the last three matches due to illness, but I think he'll claim the posts once more tomorrow evening. We'll also see some changes in the midfield. Erkan Zengin is back, Dadomo can't play and both our defensive midfielder's are out with injury. Kleeber Saarenpää is back as well, and chances are big that he'll start the match if Tony Gustavsson see him fit.
Presumed starting line up:
----------------------------Shaaban-------------------------
-Monteiro------D.Johansson--Traoré------E.Johansson-
-Zengin-----------Laitinen---Andersson----CastroTello-
----------------Davies----------------Guará----------------
With injuries on Mikkel Jensen, Suleyman Sleyman and Louay Chanko, coach Tony Gustavsson stand before one of his largest challenge this season.
Both defensive midfielders are out, and the need for a new disposition in the starting line up is high. The question is, how will Tony act? At the same time, the discussion in media regarding the goal keeping situation continue, after Kristoffer "Poppen" Björklund's excellent performance in the last three matches.
Tony Gustavsson is forced to do changes, but I'm also inclined to believe that he'll change the goal keeper. In a long point of view, it is of the utmost importance that Hammarby have to good, motivated goal keepers. Rami Shaaban missed the last three matches due to illness, but I think he'll claim the posts once more tomorrow evening. We'll also see some changes in the midfield. Erkan Zengin is back, Dadomo can't play and both our defensive midfielder's are out with injury. Kleeber Saarenpää is back as well, and chances are big that he'll start the match if Tony Gustavsson see him fit.
Presumed starting line up:
----------------------------Shaaban-------------------------
-Monteiro------D.Johansson--Traoré------E.Johansson-
-Zengin-----------Laitinen---Andersson----CastroTello-
----------------Davies----------------Guará----------------
Matchday 6: Kalmar FF vs Hammarby 1-0
A difficult away game vs Kalmar FF where Hammarby didn't manage to grab a point.
Kalmar FF is by many seen as favorites to the Championship this year. Their players are physical, they have a direct type of football, and is difficult to beat.
Throughout the match, Hammarby had some dangerous counter attacks, but heavy Kalmar was too much. In the second half, Hammarby got three (!) players injured, important ones too: Suleyman Sleyman, Mikkel Jensen and Louay Chanko. To further add to the mayhem, left winger Claudio Dadomo was expelled.
Kristoffer "Poppen" Björklund was once again a wall, but at overtime it just got too much. A Kalmar player was left free at the far post, where he easily shot 1-0 to Kalmar.
Tough match, tough injuries.
Starting Lineup:
-----------------------Björklund------------------------
-Johansson-------Traoré---Sleyman----Johansson-
------------------------Jensen--------------------------
--Laitinen------------Andersson------------Dadomo-
----------------Davies--------Guará-------------------
Subs: Chanko, Castro-Tello, Monteiro de Macedo
Kalmar FF is by many seen as favorites to the Championship this year. Their players are physical, they have a direct type of football, and is difficult to beat.
Throughout the match, Hammarby had some dangerous counter attacks, but heavy Kalmar was too much. In the second half, Hammarby got three (!) players injured, important ones too: Suleyman Sleyman, Mikkel Jensen and Louay Chanko. To further add to the mayhem, left winger Claudio Dadomo was expelled.
Kristoffer "Poppen" Björklund was once again a wall, but at overtime it just got too much. A Kalmar player was left free at the far post, where he easily shot 1-0 to Kalmar.
Tough match, tough injuries.
Starting Lineup:
-----------------------Björklund------------------------
-Johansson-------Traoré---Sleyman----Johansson-
------------------------Jensen--------------------------
--Laitinen------------Andersson------------Dadomo-
----------------Davies--------Guará-------------------
Subs: Chanko, Castro-Tello, Monteiro de Macedo
Friday 18 April 2008
Matchday 5: Hammarby vs Helsingborg IF 2-1
Well, if one man can personify a victor, a warrior indeed, it's the Man of the Match: Kristoffer "Poppen" Björklund. Jesus Christ, his savings in the second half were outstanding.
Hammarby started off best, with a quick goal after only 3 minutes by Paulinho Guará. Haris Laitinen was excellent on his left wing, especially in the first half, and Laitinen assisted Guará to that goal.
It was truly a strange match, because after the first goal Helsingborg took over the match with some really nice combinations. But since it's football, a would-have-been-logical goal for Helsingborg didn't come. Instead Petter Andersson could increase the lead with 2-0 in the 23:d minute. And again it's a left wing attack. Emil Johansson, wing back, drives the ball forward, passes in to the center where Laitinen touch the ball to Petter Andersson. Firing his big cannon, it's an absolute killer. From 30 meters, the ball is buried behind Helsingborg goal keeper Daniel Andersson.
Again, after that goal, Helsingborg take command of the match. And quite logical, they score 2-1 in the 40th minute. Henrik Larsson had one goal in the net; but he was offside.
I would lie if I'd say that the match was good from an Hammarby point of view after half time. Helsingborg just took over the match completely; we couldn't clear the ball or take hold of it for more than a few seconds. And in the 50 something minute Henrik Larsson scores, 2-2. EVERYONE THINKS! But he didn't, cause he was offside. So, Helsingborg holds up the pressure, and in the 78th minute, a penalty is given to Helsingborg and Henrik Larsson will take it. Disaster, but Hammarby goalkeeper Kristoffer Björklund had other plans for this night. Henrik Larsson shoots the ball hard right in the middle of the goal and Björklund saves! The stadium explodes like after a goal.
The referee saw fit to add 7 minutes to the ordinary 90, which made him...unpopular. But Hammarby cleared the storm, and thus managed to grab the 3 points. But the match wasn't good from our perspective, and Hammarby coach Tony Gustavsson has some things to ponder about until the next match vs Kalmar FF away.
Best in Hammarby: Kristoffer Björklund.
Lineup:
-----------------Björklund------------------
-Monteiro---Traoré---Sleyman-Johansson-
------------------Chanko-------------------
-Zengin---------Andersson--------Laitinen-
------------Davies-------Guará-------------
Subs: Mikkel Jensen, Sebastian Castro-Tello, Claudio Dadomo.
Hammarby started off best, with a quick goal after only 3 minutes by Paulinho Guará. Haris Laitinen was excellent on his left wing, especially in the first half, and Laitinen assisted Guará to that goal.
It was truly a strange match, because after the first goal Helsingborg took over the match with some really nice combinations. But since it's football, a would-have-been-logical goal for Helsingborg didn't come. Instead Petter Andersson could increase the lead with 2-0 in the 23:d minute. And again it's a left wing attack. Emil Johansson, wing back, drives the ball forward, passes in to the center where Laitinen touch the ball to Petter Andersson. Firing his big cannon, it's an absolute killer. From 30 meters, the ball is buried behind Helsingborg goal keeper Daniel Andersson.
Again, after that goal, Helsingborg take command of the match. And quite logical, they score 2-1 in the 40th minute. Henrik Larsson had one goal in the net; but he was offside.
I would lie if I'd say that the match was good from an Hammarby point of view after half time. Helsingborg just took over the match completely; we couldn't clear the ball or take hold of it for more than a few seconds. And in the 50 something minute Henrik Larsson scores, 2-2. EVERYONE THINKS! But he didn't, cause he was offside. So, Helsingborg holds up the pressure, and in the 78th minute, a penalty is given to Helsingborg and Henrik Larsson will take it. Disaster, but Hammarby goalkeeper Kristoffer Björklund had other plans for this night. Henrik Larsson shoots the ball hard right in the middle of the goal and Björklund saves! The stadium explodes like after a goal.
The referee saw fit to add 7 minutes to the ordinary 90, which made him...unpopular. But Hammarby cleared the storm, and thus managed to grab the 3 points. But the match wasn't good from our perspective, and Hammarby coach Tony Gustavsson has some things to ponder about until the next match vs Kalmar FF away.
Best in Hammarby: Kristoffer Björklund.
Lineup:
-----------------Björklund------------------
-Monteiro---Traoré---Sleyman-Johansson-
------------------Chanko-------------------
-Zengin---------Andersson--------Laitinen-
------------Davies-------Guará-------------
Subs: Mikkel Jensen, Sebastian Castro-Tello, Claudio Dadomo.
Thursday 17 April 2008
Today: Hammarby vs Helsingborgs IF
After the Derby on Monday, Hammarby coaches and players have been nothing but positive. Even though the result (1-1 after opponents receive penalty in the 92nd minute...) was a disappointment, the general feeling is that Hammarby was the better team over 90 minutes.
This evening, Helsinborgs IF are the opponents, and they come from another draw; 2-2 @ home vs Gefle. But Helsingborg is unbeaten so far, and their pre-season consisted of many UEFA-Cup matches where they performed well, especially Henrik Larsson (yeah, that guy from Celtic, Barcelona and Man U).
The squad vs Helsingborg:
3. José Monteiro
4. Christian Traoré
5. Emil Johansson
6. Louay "Lolo" Chanko
7. Suleyman "Sulan" Sleyman
9. Petter Andersson
10. Charlie Davies
11. Freddy Söderberg
14. Mikkel Jensen
16. Claudio Dadomo
17. Erkan Zengin
18. Haris Laitinen
19. Paulinho
22. Sebastian Castro-Tello
26. Simon Helg
30, George Moussan
35. Kristoffer "Poppen" Björklund
Presumed starting formation:
-Monteiro--------Traoré-----------------Sleyman------Johansson-
---------------------------------Chanko----------------------------------
-Zengin----------------------Andersson---------------------Dadomo-
---------------------Davies-----------------Guará-----------------------
Tuesday 15 April 2008
Matchday 4: Hammarby vs AIK 1-1
The derby vs AIK would become something of a scandal. If you ask me.
A little more than 23 000 spectators had found their way to the desolate areas of Solna and Råsunda Stadium.
An hour before the match I received the news that our ordinary goalkeeper, Rami Shaaban, would not, infact, stand between the posts due to sickness. Instead, the replacer Kristoffer Björklund, would have the honors of keeping the goal.
Match started off, and almost the entire first half was dominated by AIK, except for a period in the middle. But Kristoffer Björklund proved to be rock solid in the goal.
The second was Hammarby's from the start to the end. We shot off with a flyer in the 68th minute, when Louay Chanko struck a free kick from just outside the goal area. The ball landed perfectly in the top left corner, and the Hammarby supporters were ecstatic! In the situation that led to that free kick, AIK got one of their defenders sent off with a red card.
After the goal, Hammarby players start working their magic. An immense pressure was put on AIK, until some fucking cunts in the AIK stand starts throwing stuff like lighters, coins etc onto the field, and more specifically at Hammarby players. Referee pause the game, he gives it another try, the AIK supporters do it again and that's it. Game temporarily aborted.
After 15 minutes the match commence again, but at this point Hammarby lost the momentum. The match is flowing back and forth, until AIK receive a penalty in the 92nd minute. Can you fuckin' believe it?
Anyway, AIK equalize and that's the end of the match, 1-1.
Personally, I think it's a disgrace that individuals can affect the outcome of a derby to such an extent.
Hammarby starting lineup:
---------------------Björklund--------------------
-Johansson----Traoré----Sleyman----Saarenpää-
----------------------Chanko---------------------
-Zengin------------Andersson-----------Dadomo-
--------------Guará------------Davies------------
Subs: Emil Johansson, Mikkel Jensen and Haris Laitinen.
A little more than 23 000 spectators had found their way to the desolate areas of Solna and Råsunda Stadium.
An hour before the match I received the news that our ordinary goalkeeper, Rami Shaaban, would not, infact, stand between the posts due to sickness. Instead, the replacer Kristoffer Björklund, would have the honors of keeping the goal.
Match started off, and almost the entire first half was dominated by AIK, except for a period in the middle. But Kristoffer Björklund proved to be rock solid in the goal.
The second was Hammarby's from the start to the end. We shot off with a flyer in the 68th minute, when Louay Chanko struck a free kick from just outside the goal area. The ball landed perfectly in the top left corner, and the Hammarby supporters were ecstatic! In the situation that led to that free kick, AIK got one of their defenders sent off with a red card.
After the goal, Hammarby players start working their magic. An immense pressure was put on AIK, until some fucking cunts in the AIK stand starts throwing stuff like lighters, coins etc onto the field, and more specifically at Hammarby players. Referee pause the game, he gives it another try, the AIK supporters do it again and that's it. Game temporarily aborted.
After 15 minutes the match commence again, but at this point Hammarby lost the momentum. The match is flowing back and forth, until AIK receive a penalty in the 92nd minute. Can you fuckin' believe it?
Anyway, AIK equalize and that's the end of the match, 1-1.
Personally, I think it's a disgrace that individuals can affect the outcome of a derby to such an extent.
Hammarby starting lineup:
---------------------Björklund--------------------
-Johansson----Traoré----Sleyman----Saarenpää-
----------------------Chanko---------------------
-Zengin------------Andersson-----------Dadomo-
--------------Guará------------Davies------------
Subs: Emil Johansson, Mikkel Jensen and Haris Laitinen.
Monday 14 April 2008
Today: Hammarby vs AIK Solna (DERBY!)
Alrighty then, it's matchday, first Derby of the season - in other words, a recipe for Disaster...
Woke up today nervous as hell. It's the first Stockholm Derby of the season. As you know by know there are three teams in Stockholm - Hammarby, AIK and Djurgården. Between 25 000 and 30 000 spectators are expected tonight @ 8 pm. But why am I nervous? Here's a small selection of why:
1. We play away. According to Swedish Football Association, we play at home. Does that make sense? No? Well, our home arena Söderstadion is not considered to be safe enough for a Derby. Even though the organization in Hammarby is saluted after every match for being top of the country, our home Derby's are ordered to be played in Råsunda by the police. Råsunda is natively the home arena for AIK. Which we play at home today. But away.
2. We lost our last match. And it wasn't unfair, to be honest, due to the plenty individual mistakes made during the match. I'm worried, since Hammarby doesn't seem rock stable in it's organization on the field. And in a Derby you HAVE to be on toe, from the first minute to the very last.
3. Nothing rational, just that gnawing feeling in the stomach that everything is about to go to hell.
This is the appointed squad for tonight:
1. Rami Shaaban
2. David Johansson
4. Christian Traoré
5. Emil Johansson
6. Louay "Lolo" Chanko
7. Suleyman Sleyman
9. Petter Andersson
10. Charlie Davies
11. Freddy Söderberg
14. Mikkel Jensen
16. Claudio Dadomo
17. Erkan Zengin
18. Haris Laitinen
19. Paulinho
21. Klebèr Saarenpää
22. Sebastian Castro-Tello
35. Kristoffer "Poppen" Björklund
How will Tony rally his troops?
I think the starting lineup will differ from the last match:
------------------Shaaban-----------------
-Johansson--Traoré---Sleyman--Dadomo-
------------------Chanko------------------
-Zengin---------Andersson----------Haris-
----------Guará----------Davies-----------
Woke up today nervous as hell. It's the first Stockholm Derby of the season. As you know by know there are three teams in Stockholm - Hammarby, AIK and Djurgården. Between 25 000 and 30 000 spectators are expected tonight @ 8 pm. But why am I nervous? Here's a small selection of why:
1. We play away. According to Swedish Football Association, we play at home. Does that make sense? No? Well, our home arena Söderstadion is not considered to be safe enough for a Derby. Even though the organization in Hammarby is saluted after every match for being top of the country, our home Derby's are ordered to be played in Råsunda by the police. Råsunda is natively the home arena for AIK. Which we play at home today. But away.
2. We lost our last match. And it wasn't unfair, to be honest, due to the plenty individual mistakes made during the match. I'm worried, since Hammarby doesn't seem rock stable in it's organization on the field. And in a Derby you HAVE to be on toe, from the first minute to the very last.
3. Nothing rational, just that gnawing feeling in the stomach that everything is about to go to hell.
This is the appointed squad for tonight:
1. Rami Shaaban
2. David Johansson
4. Christian Traoré
5. Emil Johansson
6. Louay "Lolo" Chanko
7. Suleyman Sleyman
9. Petter Andersson
10. Charlie Davies
11. Freddy Söderberg
14. Mikkel Jensen
16. Claudio Dadomo
17. Erkan Zengin
18. Haris Laitinen
19. Paulinho
21. Klebèr Saarenpää
22. Sebastian Castro-Tello
35. Kristoffer "Poppen" Björklund
How will Tony rally his troops?
I think the starting lineup will differ from the last match:
------------------Shaaban-----------------
-Johansson--Traoré---Sleyman--Dadomo-
------------------Chanko------------------
-Zengin---------Andersson----------Haris-
----------Guará----------Davies-----------
Friday 11 April 2008
Matchday 3: GAIS vs Hammarby 2-0
After an absolutely awful start of the match last night, Hammarby lost quite fair to GAIS. The first thirty minutes were far from "OK". The Defense in general, and the lack of communication between the team parts in particular, was painful to watch last night.
1-0 was the result of a bad clearing after a corner. 2-0, right at the end of the match, was a header straight on corner. We HAVE to get more physical, more decisive than what we have seen so far this season. Embarrassing.
But after GAIS' 1-0, Hammarby tried to put pressure on GAIS. And we succeeded, after the first 20 minutes of the game, ball possession was ours and we also saw some pretty combinations while attacking. But what does it matter when you can't score?
Tony Gustavsson, Hammarby coach, took a decision before the match to let some players be on the field from start that normally is not considered starting players. This was the team:
---------------------Shaaban------------------
-Johansson-----Traoré---Sleyman---Dadomo-
---------------------Chanko-------------------
-Laitinen----------Andersson----Castro-Tello-
-----------Söderberg-----Davies--------------
Zengin, Jensen and Paulinho were all substituted in the second half.
Now, I understand why Tony want to circulate the players. It's a long season, we have both the Swedish Cup and the league to perform in. But I have to ask myself; would the result have been different if the ordinary starting players where on the field from start? Only the Gods can tell. Also, I want to see Mikkel Jensen more on the field. It's time, now.
On Monday it's the first really big match of the season; AIK at home(away; we have to play or home derby's at AIK home arena, Råsunda, due to security reasons.)
1-0 was the result of a bad clearing after a corner. 2-0, right at the end of the match, was a header straight on corner. We HAVE to get more physical, more decisive than what we have seen so far this season. Embarrassing.
But after GAIS' 1-0, Hammarby tried to put pressure on GAIS. And we succeeded, after the first 20 minutes of the game, ball possession was ours and we also saw some pretty combinations while attacking. But what does it matter when you can't score?
Tony Gustavsson, Hammarby coach, took a decision before the match to let some players be on the field from start that normally is not considered starting players. This was the team:
---------------------Shaaban------------------
-Johansson-----Traoré---Sleyman---Dadomo-
---------------------Chanko-------------------
-Laitinen----------Andersson----Castro-Tello-
-----------Söderberg-----Davies--------------
Zengin, Jensen and Paulinho were all substituted in the second half.
Now, I understand why Tony want to circulate the players. It's a long season, we have both the Swedish Cup and the league to perform in. But I have to ask myself; would the result have been different if the ordinary starting players where on the field from start? Only the Gods can tell. Also, I want to see Mikkel Jensen more on the field. It's time, now.
On Monday it's the first really big match of the season; AIK at home(away; we have to play or home derby's at AIK home arena, Råsunda, due to security reasons.)
Thursday 10 April 2008
3 hours to go
On site now in Gothenburg. Hammarby supporters are boycotting this game, but I'm "forced" to see it live. Since long, I've bought tickets for this game as I've invited some vendors to see this. You have to keep your customers happy!
I don't think that Tony Gustavsson will do large changes in the starting line up. But this is how I'd like the starting line up to look tonight:
------------------Shaaban--------------------
-Johansson---Traoré--Sleyman---Saarenpää-
------------Jensen-----Chanko---------------
-Zengin---------Andersson----------Laitinen-
------------------Paulinho--------------------
My thought is to secure defensively with Mikkel Jensen (back from long time injury) and Louay Chanko as defensive midfielders and thus be able to give the three offensive midfielders more freedom. Perhaps Charlie Davies can enter the field when opponent's defenders are getting tired.
A bit nervous, but who wouldn't be on a matchday?
I don't think that Tony Gustavsson will do large changes in the starting line up. But this is how I'd like the starting line up to look tonight:
------------------Shaaban--------------------
-Johansson---Traoré--Sleyman---Saarenpää-
------------Jensen-----Chanko---------------
-Zengin---------Andersson----------Laitinen-
------------------Paulinho--------------------
My thought is to secure defensively with Mikkel Jensen (back from long time injury) and Louay Chanko as defensive midfielders and thus be able to give the three offensive midfielders more freedom. Perhaps Charlie Davies can enter the field when opponent's defenders are getting tired.
A bit nervous, but who wouldn't be on a matchday?
Wednesday 9 April 2008
Matchday 3; GAIS vs Hammarby
Tomorrow, thursday, only 3 days after the home premiere vs GIF Sundsvall, Hammarby travel to Gothenburg and the match vs GAIS. By many, the opponents will have to struggle this year to stay in Allsvenskan. In their last match they lost 1-3 to Trelleborg away.
Hammarby come with great confidence. After the 5-3 victory at home, I think that coach Tony Gustavsson is keen on keeping the defense tight. But the offense will nevertheless be prioritized. However, as always I'm a bit worried, as GAIS want to show their supporters that the team will remain in the highest league this year.
We'll see how many Hammarby supporters travel to this match; a boycott has been announced by United Hammarby supporters. I'll be there, as I'm in Gothenburg due to work related matters, and I'll attend with some of my colleagues.
These are the players that Hammarby have assigned for this match:
1. Rami Shaaban
2. David Johansson
3. José Monteiro
4. Christian Traoré
6. Louay "Lolo" Chanko
7. Suleyman Sleyman
9. Petter Andersson
10. Charlie Davies
11. Freddy Söderberg
14. Mikkel Jensen
16. Claudio Dadomo
17. Erkan Zengin
18. Haris Laitinen
19. Paulinho
21. Klebèr Saarenpää
22. Sebastian Castro-Tello
35. Kristoffer "Poppen" Björklund
I think that we'll see the same starting lineup as in the match vs GIF Sundsvall.
Hammarby come with great confidence. After the 5-3 victory at home, I think that coach Tony Gustavsson is keen on keeping the defense tight. But the offense will nevertheless be prioritized. However, as always I'm a bit worried, as GAIS want to show their supporters that the team will remain in the highest league this year.
We'll see how many Hammarby supporters travel to this match; a boycott has been announced by United Hammarby supporters. I'll be there, as I'm in Gothenburg due to work related matters, and I'll attend with some of my colleagues.
These are the players that Hammarby have assigned for this match:
1. Rami Shaaban
2. David Johansson
3. José Monteiro
4. Christian Traoré
6. Louay "Lolo" Chanko
7. Suleyman Sleyman
9. Petter Andersson
10. Charlie Davies
11. Freddy Söderberg
14. Mikkel Jensen
16. Claudio Dadomo
17. Erkan Zengin
18. Haris Laitinen
19. Paulinho
21. Klebèr Saarenpää
22. Sebastian Castro-Tello
35. Kristoffer "Poppen" Björklund
I think that we'll see the same starting lineup as in the match vs GIF Sundsvall.
Tuesday 8 April 2008
Hammarby vs Sundsvall 5-3
In this home premiere, a battered Sundsvall stood as opponents. In their first game, Helsingborg won 3-0 in Sundsvall's home arena. Sundsvall were out for revenge, and the first half was mostly theirs.
But Hammarby started off well. In the 12th minute, Petter Andersson won the ball on central offensive half. He advanced to the right, rounded the defenders and struck well at the far post. 1-0 to Hammarby, and the 12 800 spectators were more than happy. But shortly after that goal, Hammarby starts to relax. And in football, that's never a good sign. Just minutes after the first goal, Sundsvall equalize. Hammarby defense never manage to clear the ball, and the Sundsvall striker did no mistake. After 30 minutes a nightmare unfolds. It's Petter Andersson that try to dribble on the mid field, but looses the ball. A Sundsvall midfielder looks up and see that goalkeeper Rami Shaaban is outside the goal area. He strikes the ball, and even though Rami touches the ball with his fingertips, Sundsvall manage to take the lead. Total silence on Söderstadion. Hammarby didn't seem to manage to get the play together. But, luckily for us, just before half time Charlie Davies breaks loose to the left in opponents goal area. He passes to the center where Erkan Zengin receive the ball. He spins around and shoot the ball in the net. 2-2 and Hammarby is stung at half time.
I don't know what Hammarby coach Tony Gustavsson said at half time, but it worked. Hammarby came out and completely hammered Sundsvall. A couple of minutes after half time, Louay Chanko find Paulinho Guará at the far post. With a distinctive header he take the lead back to Hammarby. Hammarby plays very well throughout the second half, but it's not until the 80th minute that Haris Laitinen take a shot from center offensive half, and buries the ball behind the Sundsvall goalkeeper. And just minutes after, Charlie Davies break loose from his closest defender. He dribbles the goalkeeper, moves to the right and hammer the ball behind the keeper. It's 5-2, and Hammarby is putting up a grand performance.
The victory is somewhat stained at the end, as Sundsvall manage to score 5-3. Four Hammarby defenders is just bystanders as the Sundsvall striker get lots of time to aim, and it's out of reach for Shaaban.
There's no doubt that Hammarby truly hammered Sundsvall tonight. Even though Hammarby was shook after Sundsvall's 1-2, the sense was that Hammarby would manage to come back. And they did! But the Hammarby defense must be sharpened, as we now enter a very hectic period with many matches in a short period of time. On thursday it's GAIS away, and next monday, April 14th, we take on AIK at home (away, really, the match is played at Råsunda Arena. They say that our arena is not that safe for Derby's to be played).
League leaders!
Monday 7 April 2008
Them Olde Wankers
Since the early 90's, Swedish football has exploded. A huge focus from media, lots of supporters in the stadiums, and an economy that has a close to an absurd development rate over the last years.
In the 80's, Swedish football had problems. The audience didn't come to the matches, and Sweden was shot out of the 1990 World Cup with three consecutive losses (1-2,1-2,1-2). Then, something happened. Hammarby supporters, Bajen Fans, perfectly exploded. The foundation had been laid ten years earlier, in the 1982 final vs IFK Göteborg. But now the time was ripe. Mostly influenced by Italian ultras, Bajen Fans got famous with their never ending positive support. With Bengal fires and huge flags we occupied towns and cities throughout the 90's. The supporters of other teams followed, and today we have a quite healthy culture on the terraces.
Off course, there are darker sides to this development. Subcultures has sprung forward, or rather changed scene, that has violence built into them. They are called Firms, and the individuals Hooligans, and every major team in the highest league has one or more of these firms. They do fight, and they do cause some trouble, but for the LARGEST PART, they carry out their work outside of the arenas. Perhaps they meet with their antagonists in some park somewhere, and they quite accurately fight it out. We, who live our lives on the terraces, acknowledge this tendency as a SOCIAL PROBLEM. Not a problem directly correlated to football itself. Young men have fought against each other for ten thousand years; it's not exactly fresh news. In loosely formed groups, they met and fought it out. In the early 1900's, gangs related to city parts would fight it out, and today the scenario is what team you are related to.
The Swedish Football Association, SvFF, is less impressed. Since the early 90's, they have ever tried to oppose this development. In their world, everyone should sit down at the matches, pay their high ticket prices and shut the hell up. The SvFF is glancing at England, which after their rather troublesome 60's, 70's and 80's, carried out a rather extensive legislation program. Which led to a point where you as a spectator has to sit down, and much accurately should shut the hell up.
The reason for this article, is that the time has come where not only a guiding principle has been drawn up by the SvFF, but the prosecutors of the city has proposed new legislation to tighten it all up. That's fine, to some extent. If you hit another man in the face, you should be prepared to receive a punishment. Nobody oppose that. But the problem here is that the SvFF in particular is judging everyone alike. If there are 10 000 supporters in an arena, not everyone are hooligans! It's what, 100? 150? I STRONGLY oppose to this type of collective punishments. It's one of the ugliest sides of our society, that large authorities has the tendency to punish a collective instead of an individual.
As an example, the majority of the Allsvenskan teams have passed a new legislative proposition which means that the visiting team has to pay for the security of ALL visiting supporters. This is nothing short of an outrage, since the majority of the teams do not have any supporters to speak of. When one of the big teams - Hammarby, AIK, Djurgården or IFK Göteborg - travel to another city, perhaps a thousand or three times that travel their. The costs of keeping security is large. But it doesn't stop there. Additionally, the visiting team does not get anything from sold tickets in the away sections. The home team get all the money, while the visiting team has to pay. It's also odd in another sense, as the home team is always responsible for the event itself. In fact, the team's very existence in Allsvenskan is regulated by how well you arrange the events.
As a result, Hammarby supporters united association, Bajengruppen, has decided to boycott the two following away matches, against GAIS on Thursday and then vs Kalmar. We HAVE to show the SvFF and try to create an opposition among the regular audience, that we, as a collective, will NOT be treated as criminals, we'll NOT be frightened to silence, we'll NEVER sit down in matches (until we get old) and we'll sure as hell never accept to be compared to hooligans. Because we're not. We're just passionate supporters that do everything in our power to stand by our team, in good times as in bad. We happily pay high ticket prices, we travel 600 kilometers for an away match.
And what do we get? Mistrust. From whom? Wankers!
Supporters of other teams are following behind. AIK supporters are first out, they are probably going to perform some type of protest in the following matches. That's positive!
--------------------------------------------------------------
As a side note, I think one major problem is that we, the supporters, and the SvFF does not speak the same language. When we say "supporter" the SvFF hear "hooligan". One of the first things you have to do when you discuss something, is to clearly define the true meaning of the words you use. In plain English: To know what the hell you're speaking of. That's a whole science, in fact, and it's called philosophy.
In the 80's, Swedish football had problems. The audience didn't come to the matches, and Sweden was shot out of the 1990 World Cup with three consecutive losses (1-2,1-2,1-2). Then, something happened. Hammarby supporters, Bajen Fans, perfectly exploded. The foundation had been laid ten years earlier, in the 1982 final vs IFK Göteborg. But now the time was ripe. Mostly influenced by Italian ultras, Bajen Fans got famous with their never ending positive support. With Bengal fires and huge flags we occupied towns and cities throughout the 90's. The supporters of other teams followed, and today we have a quite healthy culture on the terraces.
Off course, there are darker sides to this development. Subcultures has sprung forward, or rather changed scene, that has violence built into them. They are called Firms, and the individuals Hooligans, and every major team in the highest league has one or more of these firms. They do fight, and they do cause some trouble, but for the LARGEST PART, they carry out their work outside of the arenas. Perhaps they meet with their antagonists in some park somewhere, and they quite accurately fight it out. We, who live our lives on the terraces, acknowledge this tendency as a SOCIAL PROBLEM. Not a problem directly correlated to football itself. Young men have fought against each other for ten thousand years; it's not exactly fresh news. In loosely formed groups, they met and fought it out. In the early 1900's, gangs related to city parts would fight it out, and today the scenario is what team you are related to.
The Swedish Football Association, SvFF, is less impressed. Since the early 90's, they have ever tried to oppose this development. In their world, everyone should sit down at the matches, pay their high ticket prices and shut the hell up. The SvFF is glancing at England, which after their rather troublesome 60's, 70's and 80's, carried out a rather extensive legislation program. Which led to a point where you as a spectator has to sit down, and much accurately should shut the hell up.
The reason for this article, is that the time has come where not only a guiding principle has been drawn up by the SvFF, but the prosecutors of the city has proposed new legislation to tighten it all up. That's fine, to some extent. If you hit another man in the face, you should be prepared to receive a punishment. Nobody oppose that. But the problem here is that the SvFF in particular is judging everyone alike. If there are 10 000 supporters in an arena, not everyone are hooligans! It's what, 100? 150? I STRONGLY oppose to this type of collective punishments. It's one of the ugliest sides of our society, that large authorities has the tendency to punish a collective instead of an individual.
As an example, the majority of the Allsvenskan teams have passed a new legislative proposition which means that the visiting team has to pay for the security of ALL visiting supporters. This is nothing short of an outrage, since the majority of the teams do not have any supporters to speak of. When one of the big teams - Hammarby, AIK, Djurgården or IFK Göteborg - travel to another city, perhaps a thousand or three times that travel their. The costs of keeping security is large. But it doesn't stop there. Additionally, the visiting team does not get anything from sold tickets in the away sections. The home team get all the money, while the visiting team has to pay. It's also odd in another sense, as the home team is always responsible for the event itself. In fact, the team's very existence in Allsvenskan is regulated by how well you arrange the events.
As a result, Hammarby supporters united association, Bajengruppen, has decided to boycott the two following away matches, against GAIS on Thursday and then vs Kalmar. We HAVE to show the SvFF and try to create an opposition among the regular audience, that we, as a collective, will NOT be treated as criminals, we'll NOT be frightened to silence, we'll NEVER sit down in matches (until we get old) and we'll sure as hell never accept to be compared to hooligans. Because we're not. We're just passionate supporters that do everything in our power to stand by our team, in good times as in bad. We happily pay high ticket prices, we travel 600 kilometers for an away match.
And what do we get? Mistrust. From whom? Wankers!
Supporters of other teams are following behind. AIK supporters are first out, they are probably going to perform some type of protest in the following matches. That's positive!
--------------------------------------------------------------
As a side note, I think one major problem is that we, the supporters, and the SvFF does not speak the same language. When we say "supporter" the SvFF hear "hooligan". One of the first things you have to do when you discuss something, is to clearly define the true meaning of the words you use. In plain English: To know what the hell you're speaking of. That's a whole science, in fact, and it's called philosophy.
Today: Hammarby vs GIF Sundsvall
The home premiere, and everyone are nervous as hell. After the win away vs Ljungskile, all the other kick-and-run football teams have managed to draw. Or, if they won, they drew or lost in the first match day. This means, if Hammarby win tonight, we're at the top of the table. Imagine that.
It's gonna be a challenging match tonight. I was about to say difficult, but I don't really mean that. This match is more of a challenge, a hurdle we have to pass. Sundsvall, promoted this year, lost THEIR home premiere vs Helsingborg, 0-3. They'll probably tighten up their defense for this game, and it's highly probable that Hammarby with their highly skilled players will have a huge amount of ball possession. Which is fine, as long as you do something with it. The players as well as the crowd need to have patience tonight. If so, we'll probably win with a couple of goals.
As I've discussed a little bit earlier, Allsvenskan consists of 16 teams for the first time. In a longer series than what we're used to, it's extremely important to win matches that seem simple. And I'm not saying it's gonna be easy. But it has to be done, if you want to compete for the league title. We won the first match against a newcomer. Let's win this one tonight, too.
Here's the squad for tonight:
1. Rami Shaaban
2. David Johansson
3. José Monteiro
4. Christian Traoré
6. Louay "Lolo" Chanko
7. Suleyman Sleyman
9. Petter Andersson
10. Charlie Davies
11. Freddy Söderberg
14. Mikkel Jensen
16. Claudio Dadomo
17. Erkan Zengin
18. Haris Laitinen
19. Paulinho
21. Klebèr Saarenpää
22. Sebastian Castro-Tello
35. Kristoffer "Poppen" Björklund
We'll probably see the same starting line-up as we did vs Ljungskile.
It's gonna be a challenging match tonight. I was about to say difficult, but I don't really mean that. This match is more of a challenge, a hurdle we have to pass. Sundsvall, promoted this year, lost THEIR home premiere vs Helsingborg, 0-3. They'll probably tighten up their defense for this game, and it's highly probable that Hammarby with their highly skilled players will have a huge amount of ball possession. Which is fine, as long as you do something with it. The players as well as the crowd need to have patience tonight. If so, we'll probably win with a couple of goals.
As I've discussed a little bit earlier, Allsvenskan consists of 16 teams for the first time. In a longer series than what we're used to, it's extremely important to win matches that seem simple. And I'm not saying it's gonna be easy. But it has to be done, if you want to compete for the league title. We won the first match against a newcomer. Let's win this one tonight, too.
Here's the squad for tonight:
1. Rami Shaaban
2. David Johansson
3. José Monteiro
4. Christian Traoré
6. Louay "Lolo" Chanko
7. Suleyman Sleyman
9. Petter Andersson
10. Charlie Davies
11. Freddy Söderberg
14. Mikkel Jensen
16. Claudio Dadomo
17. Erkan Zengin
18. Haris Laitinen
19. Paulinho
21. Klebèr Saarenpää
22. Sebastian Castro-Tello
35. Kristoffer "Poppen" Björklund
We'll probably see the same starting line-up as we did vs Ljungskile.
Wednesday 2 April 2008
Aftermath
It's been roughly 48 hours since the match ended vs Ljungskile the other night, and I can't help but feel more and more optimistic. I know, it's in the very nature of a supporter to be positive about his or her team, but this is a little more than that.
In the second half, it was obvious that the Hammarby players were not even tired. They ran and ran and passed and dribbled. Ljungskile just couldn't cope with the higher tempo Hammarby possessed. But then again, as newcomers they shouldn't have either.
But no premiere without something dirty. Erkan Zengin, right midfielder in Hammarby, supposedly was spit on by Ljungskile left wing defender Edwin Phiri. After being spit on, Erkan gave back by touching Phiri in his face, nothing more than that and surely not a hit. We'll see what happens, but if Phiri spat on Zengin, there's no doubt he'll get his punishment from the Swedish Football Association.
On Monday, Hammarby face Sundsvall in the home premiere. It's gonna be a tough nut to crack, especially since Sundsvall lost THEIR first game, but again I feel positive. No injuries, three points in the last match...we'll see. Looks like it's gonna be sold out too!
In the second half, it was obvious that the Hammarby players were not even tired. They ran and ran and passed and dribbled. Ljungskile just couldn't cope with the higher tempo Hammarby possessed. But then again, as newcomers they shouldn't have either.
But no premiere without something dirty. Erkan Zengin, right midfielder in Hammarby, supposedly was spit on by Ljungskile left wing defender Edwin Phiri. After being spit on, Erkan gave back by touching Phiri in his face, nothing more than that and surely not a hit. We'll see what happens, but if Phiri spat on Zengin, there's no doubt he'll get his punishment from the Swedish Football Association.
On Monday, Hammarby face Sundsvall in the home premiere. It's gonna be a tough nut to crack, especially since Sundsvall lost THEIR first game, but again I feel positive. No injuries, three points in the last match...we'll see. Looks like it's gonna be sold out too!
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