Malmö FF vs Ludogorets Razgrad: Can Malmö Turn Their Season Around?
Malmö FF is looking to turn their season around in the UEFA Europa League. Find out how they plan to take on Ludogorets Razgrad and improve on their previous performance.
“It will be a level up now during the league phase. Ludogorets may be a team that many people don't know much about...”
Malmo FF head coach Henrik Rydstrom is gearing up for the UEFA Europa League match against Ludogorets Razgrad, seeing it as a chance to turn things around and win over the fans. Rydstrom believes Ludogorets will be a tough opponent, given their experience in European competitions. “It will be a level up now during the league phase. Ludogorets may be a team that many people don't know much about, but they have won the Bulgarian league fourteen years in a row. It is clear that it is tough opposition,” he said.
Malmo has had a mixed start to the season, with only one win in their last four matches. Despite this, Rydstrom is optimistic about the team's chances. “I hope we can be a little more stable in our efforts at home compared to last season's Europa League,” he added. Malmo's last European outing was a success, with a 2-0 win over Sigma Olomouc.
Ludogorets has shown resilience in their recent matches, with an impressive attacking prowess in Europe. They've had a tough start to their away games, with two draws and two losses in their last four matches. Rydstrom acknowledges Ludogorets' strengths, particularly in attack, and emphasizes the need for his team to be consistent and smart in their approach.
Malmo's lineup is expected to feature Robin Olsen in goal, with Jens Larsen, Pontus Jansson, and Colin Rösler in defense. Adrian Skogmar, Lasse Berg Johnsen, and Otto Rosengren are likely to form the midfield trio, while Sead Haksabanovic and Daníel Gudjohnsen lead the attack. Ludogorets' predicted lineup includes Sergio Padt in goal, with Francisco Son, Edvin Kurtulus, and Dinis Almeida in defense.
“It will be a level up now during the league phase. Ludogorets may be a team that many people don't know much about, but they have won the Bulgarian league fourteen years in a row. It is clear that it is tough opposition,” he told the pre-match press conference.
“It is important that we have a smartness in the match. Ludogorets' strengths lie primarily in the attack. They have offensive threats both on the wings and in the attacking line, so we have to deal with that.”
“Then we have to make sure that we are consistent in what we need to do. I think we have been good at times, but sometimes we have let external things affect us too much. It can be about referees or decisions or other situations that bounce against us,” he added.
Malmö FF has struggled with consistency in recent weeks, with their only win in four matches coming from the Svenska Cupen against lower-league Olympic. A four-match winless run in the Allsvenskan has put them at risk of missing European competition next year. Their latest disappointment was a 1-0 loss to Djurgarden at home.
It's finally here 🧡#UEL pic.twitter.com/wREcxaVSg9
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Despite the lack of form, Coach Henrik Rydström remains positive, saying, “It is still a privilege to be in this situation, for me to be the coach of Malmo FF, whether it is a match in the Svenska Cupen or in the Allsvenskan or the Europa League.” Rydström's focus is on improving the team's performance, and he believes that with the right approach, they can turn things around.
In a recent press conference, Rydström discussed the team's struggles, saying that they often dominate matches but fail to capitalize on their chances. “We are oftener than the opponents in their penalty areas than they are in ours. How can we utilize that to create more and better scoring opportunities?” he questioned. Despite the criticism and pressure, Rydström remains committed to his role and is determined to help the team succeed.
“And it is the same for the players, it is a privilege to play these matches even though there is stress and pressure. It is key to realise that and to value it.”
Malmö FF had a tough time in the previous UEFA Europa League season, finishing 31st out of 36 teams in the league phase. They managed to win only one of their eight matches, slightly outperforming Ludogorets Razgrad, who won none. This season, Malmö FF's coach, Henrik Rydström, is looking to turn things around and improve their performance. With a new lineup and strategy, they're aiming for a better showing in the competition.
“I hope we can be a little more stable in our efforts at home compared to last season's Europa League.
“We have tweaked our game quite a bit and been a little more direct. We want to go out and push and take it for ourselves, but we have to find a balance so that we don't open ourselves up and get hurt.”
August Priske! Djurgården leder borta mot MFF
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Match Prediction
The match is expected to be closely contested, with Malmo having a slight edge due to home advantage. A draw is also a possible outcome, given the teams' recent form. Some predictions suggest Malmo might win 1-0, while others forecast a draw at halftime.
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