AIK Coach Jose Riveiro. Photo: X/@A_B_Ditlhobolo
Former Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has reflected on AIK’s big win in the Swedish Cup.
AIK ran out 4-0 winners over Häcken FC and needed to win by two clear goals to secure qualification to the knockout stage, where they will face GAIS in the quarter-final.
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“We went through different moments in the match where it could have gone one way or the other,” Riveiro said.
“They had a good chance that hit the crossbar and other opportunities where they were close to taking the lead. It was an even game where both teams tried to have long spells of possession and find solutions against the high press,” the 50-year-old added.
Riveiro admitted that the game became tricky when Häcken were reduced to 10 men, but was impressed with the way his team came through the game, and now looks forward to the next round.
The Spaniard said the team are still in a transitional phase at AIK and believes the win will provide a much-needed boost in confidence.
“This means confidence and the opportunity to test and give playing time to different players,” the Vigo-native said.
“We took a good step in the defensive phase. We’re happy, even though we don’t focus too much on the result. The win helps us in many ways. I’m also happy for the supporters. That we can give them something to be happy about and that they can continue to trust the players,” he added.
Riveiro also highlighted the team effort and collective effort shown, and said the focus would shift toward the GAIS clash.
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“I haven’t had time to think about it yet, but we’ll have time to prepare. It’s another technically skilled team that is well organised and difficult to play against. I’m happy we’re there, and we accept the challenge. We will try to recreate what we did today,” he concluded.
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