Kalmar plans come to fruition
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Article summary
Kalmar FF look on course to win their first Swedish title and thanks to canny coaching from Nanne Bergstrand they are also making great advances in the UEFA Cup.
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Title bid
At just past the midway point in the Swedish season, Kalmar are four points clear of IF Elfsborg, who have a game in hand, justifying their pre-season status as title favourites. That is an unusual accolade for a club who, having been pipped by IFK Göteborg last year, have never won the league and indeed have spent only 21 seasons in the top flight since 1924. But their progress under Nanne Bergstrand, who became coach in 2002, has been swift and they look likely to progress in the UEFA Cup for the first time on Thursday when they welcome FC Racing Union Luxembourg holding a 3-0 lead from the away leg.
Strategy
At the heart of Bergstand's strategy has been the canny recruitment of Brazilian players, not something that has always reaped rewards in Sweden. Not only have they improved fortunes on the pitch but the likes of Ari Da Silva, Dedé Anderson and recently Cesar Santin have all been sold on profitably. However, Bergstrand points out: "It's true the Brazilians have made an impact, but at the same time we've managed to keep the core of our Swedish players, and have added good Swedish players as well. It's a good mix and we've found a good concept. We have a clear strategy and we stick to that."
Individual roles
Bergstrand's philosophy includes developing a strict individual strategy and role for every player to follow. "Everyone has got a role to play, and that role is very well defined. As long as the player understands their role then we'll be OK." Among those to benefit is winger Patrik Ingelsten. At Halmstads BK, his previous club, Ingelsten was mostly a substitute but now he has blossomed and has scored eleven goals in 16 games this season. "He knows his role, I think it's as easy as that," explained Bergstrand.
Lucrative offers
The only problem with that success is that players are soon lured away by Europe's richer leagues. César Santin departed for FC København this summer while at the end of the season Viktor Elm will join SC Heerenveen and French right-back Arthur Sorin is set to go to AGF Århus. "That's the reality and it's something we know all about," Bergstrand said. "It's hard work to find the right blend and to find the right players, but we believe in what we do."
