The dynamics in the midfield and who or who will take on a slightly more defensive role there has been a big question for AIK this year. In the absence of new acquisition Aboubakar Keita due to injury, for example, both Jimmy Durmaz and Bilal Hussein have been tested as more defensive midfielders.
Most recently at home against IFK Norrköping (3-0 loss), Hussein had to take on the aforementioned role, but coach Andreas Brännström is self-critical about that choice ahead of the derby against Hammarby on Sunday – and he now opens up that AIK will rethink the midfield against The poop.
When Fotbollskanalen talks to Brännström on Friday, with two days left until the match, he claims that the management staff has not yet arrived at a decision about how to shape the midfield.
– We’ll figure it out a little more. But that’s probably what we’ve struggled with both during the pre-season and up until now, that we’ve sometimes hit the right spot and sometimes been a bit weak, says Brännström.
Is it possible to change something there? You tested Alexander Milosevic as a defensive midfielder during the pre-season, for example?
– It is probably the most open there (of all places in the team). We are figuring out a number of options. So we’ll see.
You want to be a little sneaky?
– Me, lite.
About the mentioned Hussein, Brännström says:
– Bilal played there last time and it’s actually a shame in a way. Because for him we had started to find a (more offensive) role where he actually became a bit dangerous and started to score some goals from. So maybe it was wrong to move him from there. With all facts on hand.
Jimmy Durmaz has been replaced by the coach early in several games, which has led to the star signing openly airing his dissatisfaction. After Durmaz had to step off during the last break against Beijing, Brännström had a talk with the midfield veteran.
– Yes, but nothing dramatic. We are working on.
How do you see the challenge of bringing out his qualities best?
– In matches where we are better than the opponent, he is extremely skilled at shooting the balls between the lines. When there has been a bit more fighting like in the last two games, he has disappeared a bit.
– That doesn’t mean he can’t run or “fight”. But he hasn’t gotten out what he’s best at.
Center back Alexander Milosevic himself is tight-lipped when asked if he can be an option for the midfield against Bajen.
– We’ll see. There are two days left until the match. We will see where it lands, says Milosevic.
You’re open to helping the team anywhere, aren’t you?
– Yes, I play goalkeeper if that’s where I’m going to play so that we have the best chance of winning. But I think “Kribba” (Kristoffer Nordfeldt) is a little better than I am.
The aforementioned Aboubakar Keita is in full training again but not available for the game against Hammarby, according to Andreas Brännström.
