Mjällby AIF began the Andreas Brännström era with a point after a 1-1 draw at home to Häcken. Jacob Bergström gave the side the lead in the 18th minute, but a defensive error led to Häcken's equaliser in the second half.
Brännström's first call
The new head coach's first major decision was to change goalkeepers. Robin Wallinder was given the nod between the posts instead of 19-year-old Sebastian Hansen, who arrived in Sweden less than two weeks ago. "It's clear that a little question mark popped into my head. But I can't focus too much on that," Wallinder told reporters after the match. Brännström explained he wants a clear first-choice keeper but is not yet settled on which of the three is best. He noted the club has invested heavily in Hansen and believes he can become a top goalkeeper.
A defensively solid display
Despite Häcken having a strong grip on the game from the start, Mjällby defended well. The team struggled in build-up play but were disciplined at the back. "We tried to close the central spaces and succeeded partly," said goalscorer Jacob Bergström. The tough defensive shift was a direct response to the side conceding many goals in recent weeks. Brännström described it as "stopping the bleeding".
The equaliser and missed chances
Häcken's leveller came after a mistake by Tony Miettinen, who failed to clear a cross, which Julius Lindberg capitalised on. Mjällby then had chances to retake the lead. In the 73rd minute, a perfect cross from Brice Wembangomo found Gustav Lindgren, whose header went just wide. Earlier, substitute Aki Samuelsen, who came on in the 62nd minute, had gone close.
The table and the road ahead
The point means Mjällby have now gone three consecutive Allsvenskan matches without a win. The team sits 12th with 21 points from 20 games and is just two points above the relegation playoff spot. Brännström was pleased with the foundation the team showed. "The job for each other is faultless but it is a foundation to move forward from," he said. Mjällby face a tough schedule ahead with both a league relegation battle and Conference League matches. The next challenge is an away trip to face AIK Stockholm on Wednesday, a side currently fifth in the table.
