Halmstad's crab walk continues – despite the coach change

Updated:

Published:

Halmstad's crab walk continues – despite the coach change
Photo: Johan Nilsson/TT

A number of early setbacks were not what the crisis-ridden Allsvenskan team Halmstad needed in the away game against Mjällby. The 1-3 loss cemented the Hallanders' already precarious table position. We knew that Mjällby is extremely good at coming out strong, says Halmstad's new coach Johan Lindholm.

A few days before the match against Mjällby, experienced coach Magnus Haglund and assistant Pelle Olsson were fired by Halmstad, following a series of losses. Replacement Johan Lindholm, recruited from the club's own leadership, didn't have more than take a seat on the bench before he was forced to see the opponent score. Herman Johansson gave Mjällby the lead after just 39 seconds of play.

"Tough start"

And the home team continued to create scoring opportunities against stressed visitors. After 14 minutes of play, they increased their lead to 2-0, this time with Viktor Gustafson as the last player to touch the ball.

A tough start to the match, against an incredibly good Mjällby. They are fourth with good reason, says Johan Lindholm.

Birnir Snaer Ingason gave his Halmstad a glimmer of hope of taking points home from Blekinge, by beautifully lobbing in a reduction after nearly half an hour of play. The visitors then performed a few good minutes, but were hit by a new cold shower when Elliot Stroud scored 3-1 behind Halmstad's goalkeeper Tim Erlandsson.

The goals come, as they say, psychologically badly, says Lindholm.

Halmstad started the second half much more stable compared to the first, but without managing to create clear scoring opportunities. The entertainment value of the match decreased and Mjällby was seen with full control over the three points at stake. Johan Lindholm made a number of substitutions, but without managing to create any scene change.

I think we have quite good play, considering we've only had two training sessions with the new coach. But we obviously have a lot to improve, says Halmstad midfielder Joel Allansson to TT.

Torstensson back

Mjällby continues to be one of the top teams in a somewhat faltering Allsvenskan table and will soon have their injured head coach Anders Torstensson, who has been affected by cancer, back in full service.

After the upcoming international break, a home match against Elfsborg awaits for a Halmstad in great need of points to secure a new contract. Joel Allansson tells that Johan Lindholm's philosophy differs somewhat compared to previous coaches.

There's quite a big difference, both with and without the ball. Which areas you want to enter and how you want to defend. What we've delivered before hasn't been good enough, says Allansson.

Tags

Author

TTT
By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers

More news

Gais Goalkeeper Mergim Krasniqi Out for Rest of Season

Gais Goalkeeper Mergim Krasniqi Out for Rest of Season

Martinelli Praises Arsenal Teammate Gyökeres: Aims for 30-40 Goals

Martinelli Praises Arsenal Teammate Gyökeres: Aims for 30-40 Goals

Sweden's Livia Högbom Wins Silver at European Jujutsu Championship

Sweden's Livia Högbom Wins Silver at European Jujutsu Championship

Storm Amy Threatens Mjällby's Historic Gold Quest in Allsvenskan

Storm Amy Threatens Mjällby's Historic Gold Quest in Allsvenskan

Pernilla Lindberg Retires from Golf After Hawaii Tournament

Pernilla Lindberg Retires from Golf After Hawaii Tournament

Häcken Secures Point with 0-0 Draw in Dublin Conference League Opener

Häcken Secures Point with 0-0 Draw in Dublin Conference League Opener

Caster Semenya Ends Legal Battle Over Testosterone Ruling

Caster Semenya Ends Legal Battle Over Testosterone Ruling

Robert Ohlsson Leads Frölunda to Victory in Skellefteå Return

Robert Ohlsson Leads Frölunda to Victory in Skellefteå Return

Swedish Defender Lagerbielke Reflects on Emotional Return to Celtic Park

Swedish Defender Lagerbielke Reflects on Emotional Return to Celtic Park

Olsen and Malmö FF Suffer Heavy Defeat in Europa League Match

Olsen and Malmö FF Suffer Heavy Defeat in Europa League Match

Switzerland Adds Two Debutants for World Championship Qualifiers

Switzerland Adds Two Debutants for World Championship Qualifiers

Fifa Meeting Avoids Decision on Israel's World Cup Qualifying Status

Fifa Meeting Avoids Decision on Israel's World Cup Qualifying Status

Barcelona's Camp Nou Renovation Delays Return to Stadium

Barcelona's Camp Nou Renovation Delays Return to Stadium

Singapore GP to Debut New F1 Cooling Rule Amid High Heat

Singapore GP to Debut New F1 Cooling Rule Amid High Heat

Noel Törnqvist Eyes National Team Debut and Swedish Championship Win

Noel Törnqvist Eyes National Team Debut and Swedish Championship Win

Mikael Teurnberg Named New Sports Manager for Västervik Speedway Club

Mikael Teurnberg Named New Sports Manager for Västervik Speedway Club

Möregårdh Concerned About Knee Injury After China Smash Exit

Möregårdh Concerned About Knee Injury After China Smash Exit

AIK Stages Comeback with Two Goals in 55 Seconds for Overtime Win

AIK Stages Comeback with Two Goals in 55 Seconds for Overtime Win

Strong Performances Boost National Team Ahead of World Championship Qualifiers

Strong Performances Boost National Team Ahead of World Championship Qualifiers

Häcken Seizes League Lead with 3-0 Victory Over Malmö

Häcken Seizes League Lead with 3-0 Victory Over Malmö