STOCKHOLM. Hammarby is hosted by Kalmar FF in the Allsvenskan premiere.
FotbollDirekt has met Bajen talent Marcus Rafferty, who is optimistic.
– You feel that you have to take a little more responsibility now, says Rafferty to FotbollDirekt.
Last season, the Hammarby talent Marcus Rafferty, 19, had to take his first steps on Allsvenska lawns. Participation in 13 matches and an appealing style of play made many Hammarby supporters quickly fall in love with the midfielder.
How cool was it to make an impression at such a young age?
– It was a dream. It was awesome. I think I did well. Now it’s just a matter of focusing forward. Continue to develop, says Rafferty to FotbollDirekt.
Marti Cifuentes was the coach who gave you the confidence. He is gone. Kim Hellberg in. How about that rockade?
– I think it has gone well with both coaches. But it’s a new way of playing with Kim. I learned a lot from Marti and I’m learning a lot with Kim. Everyone has a different view of football and you can learn from both. You learn different details depending on who you have as a coach.
Nahir Besara singled out Marcus Rafferty at the kick-off meeting. Hammarby’s biggest star believes that Raffery will have the big breakthrough in the entire Allsvenskan during 2024. Rafferty himself seems to be taking it all in stride but admits that there may be a little more pressure on him this year.
– He (Besara) has taught me a lot. Little tips and tricks. But yes, maybe there are higher demands on me now. You feel that you have to take a little more responsibility now.
Can Hammarby threaten for the SM gold this year?
– Yes, I think so. Why not, says Rafferty and continues:
– We are a young team. We learn a lot. Week in and week out. We have very good football players in the team. Anything can happen, concludes Rafferty.
Hammarby finished in seventh place last year.
