Football Season Guide

After seven years under the control of Peter Gerhardsson, 2016 saw the veteran Hacken coach take control of his final match. In his place, Mikael Stahre has been hired to try and push the team forward after the Gothenburg side stalled in recent years. Before the start of the league season, Hacken were denied the chance to defend their cup title after defeat by Ostersunds in the semi final. But the squad’s performances indicated that Hacken have made progress from last season. Hacken have lost league top scorer from 2016 John Owoeri from their ranks, but have enough talent to cause most defences plenty of problems. Alhassan Kamara will be expected to lead the line this term now he has settled into the side while Paulinho will hope to be injury free this term as he could have a decisive say on Hacken’s season. In midfield two experienced midfielders have been added in the form of Erik Friberg, who returns to the Allsvenskan from the MLS, and Alexander Faltsetas, who has distinguished himself at Djurgarden and Gefle. Those two will have to form a partnership in midfield with Mohammed Abubakari, but the trio together contain all the experience and ability needed to be effective. Indeed, overall Hacken have the third oldest squad and that could be a big advantage in tight games or for getting tactics right against the larger sides in the league. The loss of Martin Ericsson due to his retirement is a blow though and other players will now be expected to step into his leadership role. The Hacken midfield also proved to be one of the toughest to break down with high values for tackles per match and interceptions across the board. Stahre will have to try and get his side playing more consistently, especially against the better sides in the league. If he get his side playing how he wants though, then the talent is in the squad to really push up the table from their tenth place finish last term.