After Malmö FF's loss away against IFK Göteborg in the top league on Sunday, a banner was hung on a fence outside Eleda Stadium with the message that Henrik Rydström should resign as MFF coach.
Would a second consecutive cup title have calmed the supporters?
Maybe. There would have been criticism that it went to penalties. No, but it would have, says Rydström after the penalty loss in the final of the Swedish Cup.
”Not stupid”
Besides last year's cup title, Rydström has led MFF to two consecutive SM golds, but this season the Scanians are fifth in the table with just 19 points in twelve matches. The team is eight points behind Mjällby, the league leader.
I'm not stupid. I understand the questions you're asking and how supporters see it. I might think later that it would have been good for me personally from my job (with a cup gold), but I'm not thinking that now. Now I'm saddened because the players are saddened and the supporters are saddened, says Rydström.
Captain Anders Christiansen:
It's only us who can get out of this crisis. The whole of Sweden has been waiting for this crisis and loves it. We're going to do it together, but also as individuals. When it rains, you have to show your mettle and I feel that there are many in this group who want to go out and dance in the rain, says the Dane.
After the final loss, there was booing and whistling here and there from the stands.
I understand that. We're not super happy, so why should those who are standing on the stands and created a fantastic atmosphere be happy, it would have been extremely strange. We understand their frustration and that criticism we also have to take in, says Christiansen.
”Better mentally”
Last time MFF experienced something similar was in 2022 when the team finished seventh in the top league after two consecutive SM golds.
I think we're in a better mental place (compared to 2022). We have a group where everyone knows they have to take a big responsibility, says Anders Christiansen.
The Dane was substituted with a groin injury 55 minutes into the final and is ruled out of the top league match on Sunday. Then the cup winners from Häcken will return to Malmö.
