IFK Gothenburg opened the training, then the fans came and supported

Of: Petra Thorén

Published: October 03, 2020 at 7:43 p.m.

Photo: Petra Thorén

IFK Gothenburg opened their training to the fans.

GOTHENBURG. Covid times and an exposed table position.

So IFK Gothenburg chose to open up their training for fans.

– Today we felt it was good for us and for the fans to know that we are still standing, says Roland Nilsson.

IFK Gothenburg is struggling in the lower region of the Allsvenskan table. On Sunday, Varberg and another important game await Blåvitt who needs to score points, preferably three.

Before the meeting with Varberg, the IFK Gothenburg team management decided to open training, which normally closes the day before the match. This meant that fans who had time to discover the opportunity could find their way to Kamratgården.

Between 40 and 50 fans were present and were encouraged, as they did throughout the season, by IFK Gothenburg representatives to take responsibility in view of the ongoing pandemic.

“I wanted to come for weeks”

During the special season that is imposed with the crown, the fans have not had the same opportunity as usual to see the players training closely and the games are played in front of empty stands.

– I think I have respected the closed situation and the crown situation very well during the season, says Christopher Lindahl, SLO of IFK Gothenburg.

After training, the players thanked the fans who applauded and sent the message “Real final tomorrow” from the bench.

– The fans have wanted to come for several weeks, so we thought it was good, says Roland Nilsson.

– Okay, it will be an extra kick, says forward Pontus Wernbloom.

“Becoming more normal”

The decision was made late before training on Saturday.

– It’s fine with closed training sessions so you can concentrate on what to do, but today we felt that it was good for us and for the fans to know that we are still standing. As the week looked, it was a good opportunity, says Roland Nilsson, who saw the effect on the field with the players.

“It always gets a little warmer than normal when people are there and watching,” he says.

IFK Gothenburg SLO Christopher Lindahl knows the initiative was appreciated by fans at the venue.

-You come here and splash the team and what can affect the team in a positive direction, because everyone wants us to fix the situation, he says.

Is it important that they can be present at a training session?

– It is clear that it is important from many aspects. In part, you can be in the place and see and hear. This is what you usually do and now that we are where we are, you want to get involved and support.

Published: October 03, 2020 at 7:43 p.m.

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