A Career In Football Management

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Andreas Alm Axed by AIK

It was announced this afternoon that Andreas Alm has been relieved of his managerial duties at AIK after nearly 5 years in charge. Alm returned stability to his favored club after signing as manager in 2010, however 5 years have passed since AIK last won the Allsvenskan or any trophy at all, with this in mind it appears Chairman Jonny Jergander has made the decision to relieve Alm of his position.

Despite a very good win ratio of 50% the lack of silverware has pushed the club to look for a spark that might reignite AIK's flame. A number of managers have been linked with the job but there is no solid indication who will take over. Andreas Alm left Friends Arena this morning and left a few words for fans & the club.

"The club today announced their decision to let me go, I would be lying if I stood here now and said I am not disappointed. I spent 3 great years as a player & an enjoyable if not unfruitful tenure as manager but in football things move forward quickly, you either adapt to stay ahead or get left behind."

"I want to thank everyone at the club for their support over the years and of course the fans too. I wish my successor the very best of luck and he has my full support to hopefully achieve great things here."

We now await the decision from Gnaget officials to see just who will take the reigns at Friends Arena, Speculation will be rife but any information will be broadcasted so stay tuned as we bring you the latest over the coming weeks.

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Unproven Manager's Appointment Shocks Gnaget Faithful

8 Days after the dismissal of Andreas Alm the AIK Board unveiled the new man they have chosen to take the club forward. Luke Ryan joins as virtual unknown, the 25 year old, who has 7 years on the Sunday League scene as player signs at his first ever professional team. After sustaining injury in 2009, which inevitably ended Ryan's career, he ventured into management where he had some success earning a local trophy in Leicester.

However he has now been thrown into a big challenge, beyond anything he would be used to, controlling and running an aspiring European force. Swedish football may not be ranked highly in terms of quality but fans across the country will now be watching with keen eyes due to the fact that not many English managers have had success here.

Roy Hodgson being the most notable man to take control on Swedish soil, where he enjoyed League title success with Halmstads and an amazing 5 titles with Malmo FF, which also included a huge victory over Inter Milan in the 1990 European Cup competition.

Fans have apparently questioned the decision to ignore candidates with more lucrative CV's but the board defended they're actions and called for backing from the fans. Jonny Jergander when questioned by media stated "We understand the fans may not be comfortable with this decision but it is not one we have taken lightly."

"The board, staff and myself had a number of meetings with Luke and we are delighted to appoint him our new manager. There is talent here and we have a solid base for him to work with, we want good attacking football and a keen intent to build through youth & Mr. Ryan ticks all the boxes in relation to our expectations."

Luke Ryan addressed media assuring fans he would not let them down. "I understand where I have come from, people will not know who I am or my methods but that gives me an edge. I will work as hard as I can to make sure this club stands tall with silverware hoisted high over heads once more."

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April 2015

So the season was about to begin with a lot of expectation on the fans and boards mind, the club are expected to challenge for the title this season and also dip their toes in the domestic cup competitions too. I know I have a good blend of experience and youth here, if I can get them all firing on the same page then there is no reason why we can't reach those expectations. We have 6 games in this opening month and they are all league games.

(A) Gefle IF FF (A) -Gefle will be looking for revenge following their defeat to us in the Swedish Cup
(A) GIF Sundsvall (H) -Sundsvall travel to the Friends Arena looking to cause an upset
(A) IF Elfsborg (A) -Elfsborg are looking to challenge for the title so this will be a big game early on
(A) Atvidabergs FF (A) -We travel to one of the relegation favorites looking for 3 points
(A) Malmo FF (H) -A really tough test as the Title favorites travel to Friends Arena
(A) BK Hacken (H) -The month ends at home to Hacken who are predicted to have a mediocre campaign

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I managed to bring in one player during the transfer window, a potentially good signing from Brazil. He is strong, good in the air and I am hoping he will be a handful for opposition defenders. He was signed from Esportivo for £160,000 which for AIK is quite a chunk of change, its a gamble but I am confident its a risk worth taking.

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Allsvenskan
vs. Gefle IF FF (Lost 1-0)
AIK endured a frustrating opening day in Allsvenskan going down 1-0 away at Gefle. New boss Luke Ryan was looking for his team make a statement since his appointment but his side never really got going, ultimately the home side made their pressure pay as Johan Oremo scored the decisive goal on the hour markk. Revenge for Gefle's defeat to AIK in the Swedish Cup but not the best start for Ryan's team.

Allsvenskan
vs. Gefle IF FF (Drew 1-1)
Frustration was the word on all AIK fans lips as they watch their side falter at home to Sundsvall. AIK had made the perfect start and went in front on the half hour mark through Eero Markkanen. The Finnish striker peeled off to the back post to slot home a fine cross from an Ahmed Yasin cross, however despite a glut of chances AIK were unable to solidify the result and were ultimately made to pay. Pa Dibba scored an impressive curling shot from the left hand side after some good pressing, he had looked the most likely for the away side and it proved enough to earn a point.

Allsvenskan
vs. IF Elfsborg (Lost 2-1)
AIK endured their second loss of the season away at Elfsborg, the result was also compounded by the sending off right back Daniel Sundgren. Elfsborg had made the brighter start and were clearly on top in the first half, they made that dominance pay as Simon Lundevall scored the opening goal just before half time. AIK went in at the break behind and looking for a reaction, however 7 minutes after the restart Daniel Sundgren recieved his second yellow card for a shirt pull and his teams task become even harder.

Despite the disadvantage AIK were resolute and pulled the game level with 19 minutes remaining, a fine strike from just outside the box from Ahmed Yasin restored parity. Unfortunately for Gnaget the game swung back in favor of the home side as Lundevall latched onto a great cross to bullet home a header for his second of the game on 77 minutes, it ultimately proved enough to take all 3 points for Elfsborg.

Allsvenskan
vs. Atvidabergs FF (Won 2-1)
Luke Ryan ran a change of formation and personnel at Atvidabergs & it seemed to pay off as they won their first game in the league this season. Per Karlsson got his team off the perfect start with a superb header from a Amin Affane corner after just 10 minutes. Just 2 minutes later the lead was doubled as Ahmed Yasin scored his second goal in as many games to give Gnaget a dream first half.

Atvidabergs managed to nick a goal with 20 minutes to go, through Patrik Karlsson-Lagemyr, and were pushing to try & steal a point. However AIK were resolute and managed to hold out for a much needed win.

Allsvenskan
vs. Malmo FF (Won 3-2)
It was going to be a big test but AIK showed real fight to earn an impressive win of title favorites Malmo at Friends Arena. AIK made another blistering start as Ahmed Yasin scored for the 3rd game in a row to give Gnaget the lead after 10 minutes. Malmo responded though just 8 minutes later, Vidar Orn Kjartansson peeled off his marker with a burst run and slotted home past AIK keeper Patrik Carlgren.

AIK rallied though and were ahead again just after the half hour mark, Niclas Eliasson showing a glimpse of what he can do with a fine individual goal. As the half time break came AIK were in front and knew Malmo would be looking for a response in the second period, despite a tough resolve Malmo did manage an equalizer this time through a Jo Inge Berget strike and from then on it looked like anyone's game.

With 10 minutes to go Ryan through on Norwegian striker Fredrik Brustad and it proved an inspired choice, with 4 minutes remaining Amin Affane played Brustad through and he did not let the chance pass him by as swept the ball home to secured a big win for AIK this early on in the campaign.

Allsvenskan
vs. BK Hacken (Won 2-1)
AIK made it 3 consecutive wins in the league after a fine home display against Hacken. Fredrik Brustad's winning goal against Malmo earned him a start and he repaid his managers faith with a first half double to secure the 3 points on the day. John Owoeri pulled a goal back for Hacken and the home fans were made to sweat as their team fought to hold on. The final whistle went and AIK were getting closer to the top spot!

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Ahmed Yasin had a fine month for his team

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Well after a poor start to the season I was a little worried I might have bitten off a little more than I can chew, however I made some changes and it seems to have helped us turn the corner. 3 consecutive wins in any league is good going and we came through our toughest test beating Malmo, I was particularly pleased with our attacking display in that game. Certain players stood out this month like Ahmed Yasin and Amin Affane, they produced big moments that helped us win games.

A special mention to Fredrik Brustad too who came into the team and really grabbed his chance by the scruff of the neck, I will try my best now to keep this momentum going and help us push for top spot in the league, it won't be easy though.

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May 2015

Last month ended on a very good note as we put a run of 3 consecutive league wins together, now we move into May with another 5 huge fixtures ahead us. The Allsvenskan takes full priority this month and I am hopeful the team can continue the forward momentum the last 3 games have created. We know the games this month are not going to be easy, we have a big local derby to contend plus visits from titles contenders and relegation fighters.

(A) Djurgardens IF (A) -A huge game as we travel to one of our biggest local rivals
(A) IFK Norrkoping (H) -Norrkoping then travel to Friends Arena as one of ranked outsiders for the title
(A) Helsingborgs FF (A) -Back on the road this time against one of the leagues strongest teams, managed by Henrik Larsson
(A) Halmstads BK (H) -Halmstads visit us as a favorite for relegation, they will be looking to frustrate
(A) Kalmar FF (H) -The month ends at Friends Arena with visit from the always tricky Kalmar

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Allsvenskan
vs. Djurgardens IF (Drew 0-0)
The first Tvillingderbyt ended in a stalement as AIK and Djurgardens played out a drab match at the Tele2 Arena. The best chance of the match fell to AIK in the 91st minute as Ahmed Yasin turned a shot goalwards, it looked destined to hit the net but Djurgardens Hampus Nilsson managed to claw the ball off the line. Luke Ryan looked in disbelief to how the keeper managed to save the shot and the game ended goalless.

Allsvenskan
vs. IFK Norrkoping (Drew 1-1)
AIK rescued a point in a match that could have been so much more fruitful for Ryan's side. A glut of chances had passed Gnaget by including a penalty miss from Denni Avdic in the 63rd minute. To the shock of AIK fans and players Norrkoping stole the lead with a well finished off counter attack goal from Emir Kujovic, a real sucker punch it seemed despite the home sides dominance.

However AIK rallied instantly winning a free kick from kick off, Niclas Eliasson swung the ball deep to the back post and Jos Hooiveld rose to thunder a header home for an instant equalizer. Despite a dogged effort in the final 10 minutes AIK could not find a winner and had to settle for the point.

Allsvenskan
vs. Helsingborgs IF (Lost 6-0)
AIK crumbled away to Helsingborgs in a performance that left new boss Luke Ryan absolutely inconsolable. There were mistakes and miscommunications all over the field, Ryan is believed to have kept the team back after the game and sent his Assistant to perform the post-match interviews. Doubles from Ferhay Ayaz & Jordan Larsson sent the home team on their way with added goals in the second period from Darjan Bojanic & former AIK man Lalawele Atakora completing the rout.

A bad day at the office for AIK and no doubt their manager will expect a big response next time out.

Allsvenskan
vs. Halmstads BK (Won 4-1)
After a humbling mid-week defeat at Helsingborgs the pressure was on AIK to respond, manager Luke Ryan ran the changes and the team performed superbly bagging a comfortable win. Denni Avdic started up top and Johan Blomberg came into the team also, both players bagged a goal with Marko Nikolic scoring a brace to round off the win. Fredrik Olsson scored a scant consolation for the away side in added time.

Allsvenskan
vs. Kalmar FF (Won 4-1)
AIK took confidence from their previous win to secure the exact same scoreline against Kalmar. Marko Nikolic was the player on everybody's lips as the youngster bagged an impressive hat-trick to inspire his team to victory. Denni Avdic scored his 2nd goal in as many games to complete the scoring for the home whilst the away side had initially equalized through Marcus Antonsson before Nikolic's second half brace.

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Marko Nikolic came of age this month with some impressive goals

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It was a month that began very poorly, I have to address right off the back the terrible and shameful performance at Helsingborgs. We showed no fight and some of our big players crumbled, it forced me to make wholesale changes and it appeared to give some other players a chance to shine in adversity. Johan Blomberg came into the team looking to take a chance and he proved a good choice, he was quick and incisive, bagged a goal and turned provider.

17 year old Marko Nikolic stepped up to the plate too, for a young player he shows very good movement and is getting into the right positions. I had been going with one up top as a lot of our strikers are target men, changing it up and putting 2 strikers in Denni Avdic & Marko Nikolic seemed to have gave us more of a threat. The month ended well because of these players and I can only hope we never have a result like the 6-0 again, onwards and upwards!

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June 2015

Going into June it was mainly about the transfer window opening and preparing ourselves for the Europa League Qualifiers. We have just one game to contend with this month but it was very important to try and keep our winning run going.

(A) Orebro SK (A) -The only game this month was against one of the current front runners this season

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Allsvenskan
vs. Orebro SK (Won 3-2)
AIK earned a huge 3 points away at Orebro to keep their title challenge aspirations alive, going into the game AIK had won 2 consecutive games but they knew Orebro were one of the stronger performers in the league. After a verbal tirade between manager Luke Ryan and new striker Cassiano, Ryan caved and allowed the Brazilian a chance to impress up front and it proved an inspired decision.

Cassiano opened the scoring with a well placed strike just on the hour mark before Simon Danielsson pegged AIK back just 7 minutes later. Danielsson doubled his tally to put Orebro in front with a well timed run and finish however AIK rallied and inform striker Marko Nikolic provided an instant equalizer. With the clock running down we entered injury time where Cassiano provided the winning touch from a fine pass by Nikolic.

Luke Ryan was clearly pleased with the victory and praised both his strikers for their display in the match.

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Cassiano scores the winner at Orebro

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It was a big step in the right direction this month as the team earned a big win, despite being behind we show enough to earn a quick leveler before Cassiano stepped up to the plate. He was not really figuring in my plans since I signed him, he did not perform so I dropped him and after 6 games he wanted out, I refused but the team were clearly behind him which put me in difficult spot.

I gave in and told him to impress me and I can honestly say I am thankful for giving him another shot, he scored 2 fine goals and a last minute winner is always pleasing. As for the squad they are still unhappy because I let midfielder Ebenezer Ofori go, a very good player but he did not want to be here and left me no choice but to sell him. I now have the task of keeping the harmony amongst the team and maybe bringing in a replacement.

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July 2015

After an incredibly quiet month on the football front in June it was time to tackle the hectic schedule in July. The Europa League Qualifiers were to begin as we looked to book a place among some of Europe's finest, however the league had some pretty big fixtures for us too including 2 very big derby's. Potentially 9 fixtures this month depending on our progression in the Europa League of course, a real test of the strength in depth my team may have.

(UELQ1R1L) Bala Town (H) -Europa League qualifiers kick off with a visit from Welsh minnows Bala Town
(A) IFK Goteborg (H) -A huge fixture against one of our fiercest league rivals
(UELQ1R1L) Bala Town (A) -We then travel to Wales to complete the tie with Bala Town
(A) Hammarby IF (A) -Derby's continue to take center stage as we visit another big local rival who are punching well above their weight so far
(UELQ2R1L) ??? (A) -Subject to qualification
(A) Gefle IF FF (H) -The second half of the season begins as we play teams for the second time
(UELQ2R2L) ??? (H) -Subject to qualification
(A) IF Elfsborg (H) -Elfsborg visit us in the league looking to cause us trouble
(UELQ3R1L) ??? (A) -Subject to qualification

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After leaving in early 2015 I looked into bringing Ibrahim Moro back to the club. I have always rated him for AIK and thought it was very important to replaced Ebenezer Ofori, so after only a short time away we managed to resign him. He cost £800,000 which was double what he originally sold for however I know he can be a big game player & am looking forward to playing him.

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UEFA Europa League - 1st Qualifying Round - 1st Leg
vs. Bala Town (Won 6-0)
AIK made easy work of Welsh side Bala Town with a comprehensive win at the Friends Arena. Denni Avdic was the star man for Gnaget bagging a 9 minute hat-trick with further goals from Cassiano, Jos Hooiveld and Marko Nikolic rounding off a resounding display.

Allsvenskan
vs. IFK Goteborg (Won 2-1)
AIK carried the winning momentum from the Europa League in mid-week to see off fierce Goteborg at Friends Arena. Gnaget fans were delighted as there side raced into a 2 goal lead after just 18 minutes, Ahmed Yasin opened the scoring with a fine strike after just 2 minutes were played. The lead was then doubled 16 minutes later as 17 year old Marko Nikolic was put through on goal to slot home from 12 yards.

Goteborg rallied and showed a good resiliency after that, they fought back into the game 10 minutes before the break. Sebastian Eriksson scored with a well placed shot from just outside the area to give the visitors some hope. AIK battled on the in second half and could have made the game more comfortable albeit for poor finishing, Goteborg pushed looking for a point but Gnaget held firm & claimed a big 3 points.

UEFA Europa League - 1st Qualifying Round - 2nd Leg
vs. Bala Town (Won 7-0 Agg. 13-0)
Gnaget fans were over the moon with another dominant display in the Europa League as AIK confirmed their place in the 2nd qualifying round. The tie was effectively over but this performance rubber stamped it as braces from Cassiano, Per Karlsson and Denni Avdic helped AIK on their way. Niclas Eliasson scored the final goal and now the Swedish side will await their fate in the next round.

Allsvenskan
vs. Hammarby IF (Lost 2-1)
Disappointment was etched on the faces of traveling AIK fans as their side went down away at fierce local rivals Hammarby. The home side came into the game on a good run of form and led the pack as one of the dark horses this season, AIK were looking to build towards the top spot but were halted after a poor display. European travels may have played a part as Brazilian striker Alex bagged a goal either side of half time to seal victory for the home side.

Per Karlsson netted from a corner in the 92nd minute but there was not enough time left to earn an unlikely draw. Ryan's men look deflated and it will be interesting to see how the team respond.

UEFA Europa League - 2nd Qualifying Round - 1st Leg
vs. SJK (Lost 3-2)
AIK's poor run of form continued as they went down in Finland to SJK in the Europa League. Ahmed Yasin put AIK in front after 14 minutes with a fine curling strike but the home side immediately responded as Tommi Bavautdin brought the sides level. SJK then took a shock lead as English midfielder Wayne Brown nodded home in added time during the first half.

Ryan responded bringing on Ibrahim Moro who recently resigned for Gnaget in the summer window. The decision proved justified as Moro drilled home from 20 yards to give AIK a second away goal and the leveler. However with 30 minutes remaining SJK scored the winner as Joonas Kovalainen took advantage of poor decision making from Jos Hooiveld to steal in and round Patrik Carlgren for an easy goal.

With the second leg AIK have 2 away goals in their favor but they will need to perform a lot better at home for any hope of qualification.

Allsvenskan
vs. Gefle IF FF (Won 1-0)
Ibrahim Moro was the match winner as he reintroduced himself to Allsvenskan after resigning for AIK this summer. The midfielder was man of the match as he bossed the play and scored a fine goal from 15 yard with 19 minutes played. AIK could of been out of sight but their strikers failed to find the target, Gefle never really troubled the opposition and ultimately it only took 1 goal to decide the game.

UEFA Europa League - 2nd Qualifying Round - 2nd Leg
vs. SJK (Won 1-0 Agg. 3-3 - AIK win on away goals rule)
Johan Blomberg scored the only goal in a tense affair at Friends Arena to seal 3rd round Qualification for AIK. After a poor display in Finland the previous week AIK knew they had to perform, they made a fine start with a host of chances and Blomberg opened the scoring with a fine team goal. Despite a glut of first half chances the scored remain 1-0 at the break and nerves were clearly frayed in the crowd.

SJK came out in the second period knowing they had to score but Patrik Carlgren was on fine form making 2 very big saves towards the end. The game ended and AIK were through but only by the skin of their teeth.

Allsvenskan
vs. IF Elfsborg (Lost 1-0)
AIK slumped to a defeat after a frustrating performance at home to Elfsborg. Young Spanish striker Borja Mayoral scored the decisive goal after 18 minutes, cutting in from the right and curling a wonderful strike past Patrik Carlgren. AIK huffed and puffed but Elfsborg were resolute in their defending & claimed a big win.

UEFA Europa League - 3rd Qualifying Round - 1st Leg
vs. AS Saint-Etienne (Lost 1-0)
Despite a strong defensive display AIK will go into their second leg at home to Saint-Etienne a goal down. New signing Nolan Roux scored the only goal of the game for the French a side and it proved enough to take a slender advantage into the second leg. AIK persisted but were unable to play their football and ultimately would of been please to have only conceded 1 goal on the night.

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Ibrahim Moro made a winning return to AIK after resigning for the club

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It was a really mixed month as the team didn't really handle the expectations of Europe & domestic duties. We made a good start with some comprehensive victories in the Europa League and of a course the big win against Goteborg but after that we hit a slump and the confidence dipped. Big players failed to turn up for us and the squad was spread very thin as I tried to balance the team selection as best I could.

Resigning Ibrahim Moro should be a positive and if I can get the strikers bagging goals then we have a slight chance for troubling the top 2. Games are beginning to run out and it is now the time of the season where the key players can make or break your season.

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August 2015

August is looking like a make or break month for our title challenge as we face some key teams in the top half of the table. We also have the prospect of the Europa League but it will be a tough old task to beat Saint-Etienne, however this is football and anything can happen so I can only hope my team find the belief and performances required to take us where I know we be in future years.

(A) Malmo FF (A) -We travel to Malmo which is never an easy place to go
(UELQ3R2L) Saint-Etienne (H) -Then its time for the second leg of the Europa League 3rd Round Qualifier
(A) BK Hacken (A) - Back in the Allsvenskan we make the trip to Hacken looking for 3 points
(A) Atvidabergs FF (H) -Atvidabergs then travel to Friends Arena deep in a relegation battle
(A) Djurgardens IF (H) -Back to back home games and we are visited by one of our fiercest local rivals
(UELPO1L) ??? (A) -Subject to Qualification
(A) IFK Norrkoping (A) -a tricky away day at Norrkoping who will be looking to push for the top 4
(UELPO2L) ??? (A) -Subject to Qualification

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Allsvenskan
vs. Malmo FF (Lost 1-0)
AIK made it 3 consecutive defeats in all competitions as under performing Malmo took all 3 points at the Swedbank Stadion. Vidar Orn Kjartansson scored the only goal of the game after 5 minutes, breaking through the AIK defence to slot the ball home.

UEFA Europa League - 3rd Qualifying Round - 2nd Leg
vs. Saint-Etienne (Won 3-1 - AIK win 3-2 on aggregate)
AIK produced a wonderful home display to book there place in an unlikely Europa League Play-off. Marko Nikolic starred on the night bagging a brace to help send his team through, Saint Etienne came into the game with a 1-0 advantage but they were unable to stop the Swedish sides turn around. Nikolic drew the aggregate score level 5 minutes before half time, a fine ball from Ibrahim Moro sent the striker through and he slotted home in style.

The second half played out goalless and the tie went into extra time, 1 minute into the first period AIK took the lead as a wonderful cross from Ahmed Yasin was too hot to handle and Jeremy Clement poked the ball into his own net. However bang on the 105th minute Saint-Etienne drew the game level as Kevin Berigaud scored a pinpoint header from 12 yards to seemingly break Gnaget fans hearts.

As it stood Saint-Etienne were through on away goals but with 6 minutes remaining AIK scored the winner, 17 year old Nikolic bagging his second with a fine solo run and finish to send the home fans into hysteria. AIK stood firm and held out for an impressive win, they now look forward to a play-off to see who will be in the Europa League Group Stages.

Allsvenskan
vs. BK Hacken (Won 3-1)
AIK appeared to take the momentum from their midweek Europa League win as they brushed aside Hacken at the Bravida Arena. Hacken took the lead initially after 13 minutes, John Owoeri causing trouble for the AIK defence stole in behind with blistering pace to poke the ball past Patrik Carlgren. However the away side drew level with 9 minutes of the first half remaining, Marko Nikolic continued a good run of goal scoring form and slotted the ball home from around 12 yards.

After the restart AIK took control as Nikolic bagged his and AIK's second of the game, good movement from the youngster again as he lost his mark before rounding the keeper to slot home. The points were sewn up on the 80th minute as Cassiano rose highest from a corner to bullet a header home, a fine display from Ryan's men.

Allsvenskan
vs. Atvidabergs FF (Won 2-0)
A first half brace from Brazilian striker Cassiano lifted AIK to their 3rd consecutive win in all competitions. Atvidabergs were visiting on the back of some poor results and with a relegation battle in sight, unfortunately for them they were playing an AIK side full of confidence and duly suffered. Cassiano opened the scoring with a fine headed goal after 14 minutes before sealing his brace & AIK's win with 4 minutes of the first half remaining, this time a fine curling effort from just outside the box.

Allsvenskan
vs. Djurgardens IF (Lost 2-1)
The second Tvillingderbyt of the season went to the visitors as Djurgardens came from behind to halt the momentum of AIK. Anton Saletros had given the home side the perfect start smashing a shot in at the near post for a 7th minute lead, however Djurgardens rallied bagging a 3 minute brace through Sam Johnson. The Liberian striker broke through one on one to level the game after 25 minutes. Amazingly 2 minutes later after some good pressure the striker managed to win the ball back just after the kick off & curl an unstoppable shot home to put the visitors in front.

The second half proved a tense affair and AIK were unable to rally and find a leveller, much to their managers frustration.

UEFA Europa League - Play-Off - 1st Leg
vs. Borussia Dortmund (Lost 2-1)
Despite a spirited display in Germany AIK succumbed to the quality of Dortmund in this 1st leg clash. AIK had made a superb start to the game showing fine resiliency and counter-attacking football, to the shock of the home faithful the Swedish took the lead. Ibrahim Moro broke through the middle of the Dortmund backline and slot home under Roma Burki to give AIK the lead & an away goal.

Dortmund leveled the game 4 minutes after the restart, a fine football goal setting up Shinji Kagawa who curled the ball into the far corner from 12 yards. Ilkay Gundogan completed the comeback with 20 minutes to go as he latched onto a pass from Marco Reus to bury his shot past Carlgren & give Dortmund first leg victory.

Allsvenskan
vs. IFK Norrkoping (Drew 1-1)
Luke Ryan left the Nya Parken stadium a frustrated man as his side threw away a big chance to win in the Allsvenskan. Ibrahim Moro had given Gnaget the lead after 12 minutes, another fine strike from the returning midfielder seemed to have the omens in AIK's favor. However the home side leveled through an Alhaji Kamara header with 33 minutes on the clock, much to the away fans dissapointment.

Despite a glut of second half chances AIK were unable to score a winning goal and were very fortunate not to lose the game in stoppage time, A Nikola Tkalcic header struck the post in the dying seconds.

UEFA Europa League - Play-Off - 2nd Leg
vs. Borussia Dortmund (Drew 0-0 - Borussia Dortmund win 2-1 on Aggregate)
AIK played out a spirited draw against a very talented Dortmund side at Friends Arena but ultimately had their Europa League campaign ended. AIK set out with 5 at the back and looking to utilize the pace of Marko Nikolic on the counter but Dortmund were never really troubled, Adrian Ramos had the best chance with 6 minutes left as he burst through on goal only to hit his shot straight at Patrik Carlgren.

A good performance all around from AIK and they will look now to build towards a successful league campain.

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Marko Nikolic wheels away in celebration against Saint-Etienne

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It was a tough month once again, we managed to put together an impressive run of games in the middle of this month and the performances against Dortmund were very encouraging as we more than matched one of Europe's finest teams. The defeats were very disappointing though as Malmo & Djurgardens both stole victories against us, the run of form we were on before the Djurgarden game suggested we were in good stead but one bad half and it really knocked our confidence.

The season is slowly but surely coming to a close, the title is looking drastically unlikely as we are 11 points behind newly promoted Hammarby albeit with 2 games in hand, however if we can put a good run together for the rest of the season we may still sneak a European spot, its now the time to knuckle down & perform.

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