Battle of Gold in Allsvenskan. A great opportunity to qualify for the group stage of the European Games.
Then captain Magnus Ericsson stated that this year’s edition of Djurgaard is something very special.
“I think it’s the best Djurgården I’ve been a part of,” says Eriksson at the press conference ahead of the Premier League’s return against Sepsi.
Magnus Ericsson32, is in his fifth year of the year in blue.
So far, there are indications and tendencies that his team may be heading towards an unforgettable goal.
Although the 0-0 match against Varnamo last time was a miscalculation, Djurgården is in an absolute battle for gold. And at the same time they gained a great position in Europa Conference League– Qualification.
How would you rate this Djurgård band, in terms of the harmony and flow they have now?
– I think he’s the best Djurgården I’ve been a part of. Not just in terms of quality and such, but the same feeling when you walk into the dressing room. It’s a good group, a very good group. It’s a very interesting group to be a part of,” Ericsson said at the press conference ahead of Thursday’s qualifiers return against Romanian Sipsi Svanto Giorgi.
“It happens automatically”
In terms of football, there is also a tremendous amount of quality. But there was that in 2017 as well in the form of the older ranger with Jonas, Kim and Isak. The comparison is very difficult, but it is a very good group from Djurgården and a fun one to be a part of. We have a lot of fun, at least I do.
Is it exactly the fact that you guys are having so much fun that makes this edition stand out?
Another aspect is that there are a lot of players involved. Then things are put together. All players have their roles. It doesn’t really matter who’s on the field. We know what to do. How should we play football? I have settled. This happens automatically. We are very confident in the way we play football.
Blue Stripes also felt safe in Romania last week. The 3-1 win there provides an excellent starting point for a comeback in the third round of qualifying – the penultimate step before a potential ECL group stage.
“Flying on the road is dangerous to life”
The group stage which, given everything from the draw to the format, seems to be reached as well if all goes well.
Do you think you are expected to reach the group stage?
– We know what we can do. We know the terms. Flying too far is life threatening. We have to perform, if we don’t we won’t progress. If we do, we have a good chance of moving forward. It is up to us and will always be up to us.
Coach Thomas Lagerlof does not want to call it a “golden opportunity” to advance in the group stage, despite a good starting position and a potentially affordable draw (APOEL from Cyprus or Kizilzhar from Kazakhstan).
We must fully respect our opponents. Rikka was very good. Sipsi is a very, very good team. We won 3-1 away, which is very good. But we have to go somewhere and do the work here at home. If we try to follow some shortcuts, we’re wrong, says Lagerlöf.