Football Season Guide

Malmo won their 26th Allsvenskan title in 2023 in the most dramatic of fashions. They edged Elfsborg on goal difference with the triumph possible only because Elfsborg’s mistake in the final round of the season. Still, during his first year in charge coach Rydstrom started the season with 8 consecutive league wins and only for a few months in the summer, while Malmo were busy in Europe, the results were not great. The strong autumn push ended up being enough for the title. Now established as a title-winning manager, Rydstrom will expect an even better season. The fact that all of the regulars from 2023 stayed in the team and the squad was well strengthened with the additions of Friedrich, Larsen and Botheim makes Malmo even scarier opponent in 2024. The Sky Blues are expected to look for a fast start to the campaign as they know the summer months will be mainly about progressing in Europe. Malmo already showed they are ready with their run to the final of the Swedish Cup during February and March. The squad is deep and the competition for stating places is fierce. Having an abundance of great defenders should give Malmo an excellent record at the back yet again. Also, the manager is often shifting between 3-4-2-1 and 4-2-3-1 shape, depending on what suits best against each opponent. The arrival of striker Botheim gives much-needed depth in attack but veteran Thelin is expected to remain the regular starter, especially after his Golden Boot in 2023.