Mikael Bengtsson has led Gefle IF in more or less a meltdown. Today they are the series leader with twelve consecutive wins. But despite the success, expansion is not on the horizon - The dialogue probably should have started earlier, says the successful coach, who in an interview with SvenskaFans talks about his own situation with the end of his contract.
On the way back to the elite of football. Yes, with every match the image that Gefle IF may soon belong to the Superettan again is strengthening.
This weekend the team got their twelfth consecutive win after a strong turnaround against Piteå, which ended with a 4-1 victory after Jesper Karström scored three times.
- We had a tough preparation with an early gathering and a flight that could not leave when someone was sick. Lunch ordered at Piteo had to be changed and there was little time to load. I am proud that the guys coped. Everyone kept the most important thing - concentration before the match. In terms of gameplay, the match turned out to be good. We controlled long periods and eliminated the disadvantage. Good match, says Mikael Bengtsson.
GIF-coach, who after the victory can state that the distance has not changed. The gap to the nearest team Vasaalund is eight points, just like before the weekend. Now there are only seven games left.
A situation that few predicted before the season. Of course, the signings have been successful and the additions during the summer break have increased the competition. And also helped to make some successful bets: find out more details at http://www.oddsbett.com/. But at the same time, it is obvious that Mikael Bengtsson got the most out of his team. A 45-year-old player who stabilized the club after a difficult 2019, but was also in doubt after last year's shaky season with higher hopes than seventh place.
This year, the conversation has been different. But while Bengtsson is being praised and is close to lifting the club to the Superettan, his future at GIF is not at all certain. His contract expires after the season.
- That probably sounds a bit boring, but that's not my focus. Yesterday the focus was on the analysis of the match against Piteo. Today the focus is on preparing for the match with Karlstad. We are taking it day by day, as we have been all season. The success factor was that we did not get distant and did not lose focus. I have to continue. We must continue. Everything else will come with time. I'm not putting my energy elsewhere.
But the fact is that the deal ends after the season, is there a dialogue with the club about your future?
- We had a meeting recently. The initiative was actually from my side, for the sake of the club. We do not know the series until 2023. It's time to test different scenarios. The difference between Ettan and Superettan is big.
- Budgetary, sporting and organizational. One scenario at a time. One of you stay and one if you get promoted. The dialogue probably should have started earlier. I had to explain my thoughts on several things.
He goes on to explain that the feeling is good, but at the same time, the meeting was the first of several to come. However, Bengtsson, indicates that Gefle is eager to continue the cooperation:
"I feel I have a contribution to make to find a solution. At least that was the indication. However, more meetings will be needed. We have only had one meeting.
Is there interest to stay on his part?
- Absolutely, but at the same time, there are things that need to be clarified before making a decision. We had a meeting recently. So we did not think much about it, because it was not relevant. For me, however, it is important not to close any doors, but to be open to discussion. I hope there will be more of them in the future. It is important that both sides agree.
For the first two seasons in Gefle, there was a lodging apartment used by Mikael Bengtsson as the family still lived in Sundsvall.
This apartment was lost before this year's season, which meant a train ride between the cities. More hours with the family in Sundsvall, but also a lot of traveling. However, the commute didn't bother Bengtsson, who rather believes that the train journeys were appropriate working hours. Therefore, it is not something that would be a disadvantage in case of possible additional calls.
- Check the results that have been. The effect of commuting - he says somewhat jokingly and continues:
- Travel has never been a concern. It works very well for me. I use it as working time. Nobody disturbs you, but you can work freely for two hours.
You can choose - when will something be ready by 2023?
- When all parties are in full agreement. But today there is nothing to speak about and until then there is nothing that will catch my attention. Before there is something concrete, I will focus on the next match.
Daniel Kraft also does not want to describe what conditions the parties should agree on but does not hide that the coaching issue is a task that will be important. The club manager together with Andreas Dahlen was appointed by the board responsible for working with the head coach next season. He emphasizes the work done by the management and characterizes the current situation in the following words:
- Of course, it is important. We had the first meeting and we will meet again. We are extremely satisfied with his work and the work of the management. I want to explain this.
Is there a desire to continue cooperation with Mikael Bengtsson?
- Of course, there is interest. This season was incredibly successful. There are no other discussions. But at the same time, there are certain prerequisites that must be met. I do not want to disclose details, but belonging to the series becomes an important factor. Despite this, we strive to strengthen the sports organization. But again, belonging to the series will be an important factor for the work, concludes Kraft.