AIK's new signing Lukas Bergquist must wait for his debut with the club. Manager José Riveiro confirmed the 25-year-old is not ready to play in Monday's cup match against BK Häcken, according to Fotbollskanalen.
Bergquist, recruited from Öster during the transfer window, has just started training with his new team. He hopes to get his chance as soon as possible. "I feel in good shape and I'm ready whenever", says the defender.
Why did Bergquist choose AIK?
Lukas Bergquist explains that choosing AIK felt right after discussions with the club's recruitment chief Miika Takkula. He was attracted by the project under new manager José Riveiro and the unique commitment of the supporters. "It's an honour to play for this club", Bergquist states.
The move from Öster wasn't straightforward. The winter was long with uncertainty about his next club. Bergquist was considered for a move abroad, including to Poland, but when AIK's interest emerged the choice was clear. "If I were to stay in Allsvenskan, AIK was actually the perfect choice", he says.
What is AIK's left-back situation?
AIK has lacked a fit, natural left-back in the squad throughout the winter. Midfielder Stanley Wilson has had to fill in at the position due to a lack of other options. Bergquist's arrival should solve this longstanding problem.
The club currently has three players registered who can play on the left side of defence, according to our squad overview. Bergquist will compete for the position with existing alternatives. AIK's defensive statistics show the team has conceded 14 goals in 12 matches so far this season, which you can follow on our stats page.
What does the manager say about Bergquist's development?
José Riveiro is pleased with his first impression of the new defender. "He looks good. He looks as we expected. He fits very well into the team and you can already see how he will help us", says the AIK manager.
But Riveiro doesn't want to rush things. He's clear that Bergquist isn't ready for a cup debut against Häcken. Instead, the player will continue adapting to his new team and Riveiro's system during training sessions.
What does this mean for AIK's upcoming matches?
Without Bergquist against Häcken, Riveiro must find another solution at left-back. Stanley Wilson could continue there, or the manager might try a different option. AIK faces Häcken in the Swedish Cup group stage, a match important for securing advancement.
After the cup match awaits a tough period in Allsvenskan with several important fixtures. You can see the full schedule on our fixtures page. Bergquist's integration into the team will be important for strengthening AIK's defence during this period.
AIK currently sits in seventh place in Allsvenskan, which you can follow on our standings page. The team has won four of its twelve matches and lost three. A stabilised defence with Bergquist as a key player could be what's needed to climb the table.
Bergquist is ready for the increased pressure that comes with playing for AIK. He's already received a warning from his former teammate Vladimir Rodic, who urged Hammarby supporters to give him "hell" from the stands. "You usually get that when you face those clubs", Bergquist laughs. "I'm used to it."
The next step for Bergquist is to establish himself in the starting lineup when Riveiro feels the time is right. His debut could come in one of the upcoming Allsvenskan matches, where he'll get the chance to show why AIK chose to sign him.
