Guthenberg. There was a dispute between the three Svenscan clubs.
But IFK Göteborg signed Abundance Salaou, 18 – who succeeded in his first match with Blåvitt.
He has a wonderful future, says Gustav Svensson.
Last spring, four players from the highly-acclaimed ASEC Mimosas football academy appeared for testing in IFK Gothenburg. Blåvitt wrote on his website about the future cooperation with the club from Ivory Coast, which for several years supplied Hammarby and Haken with players.
Disagreement between clubs
There was some tug of war among the big Allsvenskan teams about talent from the African Talent Factory.
But according to Sportbladet information, it was IFK Göteborg who hit Abundance Salaou hard when his teammates were considered bigger promises by Allsvenskan rivals.
In the 2-0 win over Sirius, midfielder Salaou made his Allsvenskan debut with IFK Göteborg and responded with a rather thrilling performance that included an assist (for Marcus Berg 1-0).
– It was a good match because it was my first match in IFK. I really enjoyed the match, says the 18-year-old, who is very religious, commenting for his help:
– I thank God who made it happen. It was a good help.
Why has IFK Gutenberg become for you?
– This was a decision by me and by ASEC Director Mimosa. IFK Gothenburg is a good club for me.
At the beginning of August, the 18-year-old signed with IFK Göteborg on an agreement valid until 2026.
stuck to each other
Mikael Stahre explains how Blåvitt managed to capture the talent.
– They (ASEC Mimosa youth team) were on this famous tour and they (four players) were there and trained with us in April. Slough did well and we liked his qualities.
– When he left here last spring, we came a long way in discussions with him, his advisors and his academy, says the IFK coach in Gothenburg.
When Abundance Salaou was replaced – whether his nickname was “Abu” or “Abbe” similar to Gutenberg – not fully scientifically proven – 72 minutes later, he received a thunderous applause and was patted on the back by captain Marcus Berg.
It is clear that many of IFK Göteborg’s most experienced players and former members of the national team have taken the Ivorian youth under their wings.
– Everyone is kind and friendly. They show how we should defend ourselves, and how we should play. They are really kind, says Salo to reporters gathered in the mixed area of Gamla Ullevi in English.
Before coming here, I watched some FIFA matches and really appreciate Marcus Berg. He is a skilled scorer and a good captain. There are many good players here.
Experienced help
The two goalscorer and match winner Marcus Berg said afterwards of Abbondance Salau’s first game in Gothenburg:
– It’s great fun to come. He is a very talented young man. He settled into the group quite well. He sees and reads the game well and seems to absorb the information very easily.
– We will help him as best we can, says Berg.
Gustav Svensson:
– He has a wonderful future. He is very responsive, works very hard, has good technique and has a good eye. He has a lot to learn, but you can see that he has a lot inside of him. It will be very interesting to follow him.