AIK Turns to a Familiar Face for Second Stint as Head Coach
Roger Mellin is back behind the AIK bench. The veteran coach has stepped in for the rest of the season after the termination of Markus Åkerblom. Though possibly a surprising move to some, for Mellin, it was a sentiment that resonated with him more than he first anticipated.
“We talked,” Mellin shared, “and the more we talked, the more it felt right. Of course, it wasn’t a snap decision. This wasn’t just any team. It was AIK, where I had so many great years.”
AIK Confident in Mellin’s Experience
It is true that Melin was reserved about taking on the job initially. He hasn’t been a head coach since the 2019-2020 season. Since then, he’s acted as a scout and advisor to AIK. Taking over this late in the season was not on his radar. But, knowing AIK well and having spent previous successful years there (2008-2012), he was ultimately ready to embrace the challenge.
“I feel good about the support I have from all sides,” Mellin reflected. “I know many think I’m too old for this. Maybe they’re right. It’s for half a season, we’re going to try and make the most of it.”
Building on Success, Focusing on Stability
Melin inherits a team currently ninth in the HockeyAllsvenskan standings. Following the departure of Åkerblom and considering the team’s position, restoring stability is a top priority.
”We haven’t had many wins in a good while,” Mellin said. “We need to be more consistent. Not just about wins, though. I want us to rediscover the joy of playing.”
The long-time frigure justa few daysstripped down a few days prior.
“It’s a lot of work to take over, but unfortunately the rules of the game. If you’re going into this game, you know the conditions and that performance matters.
AIK beat Östersund 4–1.
What convinced Mellin to return to AIK mid-season?
Let’s put together a short interview.
## “Coming Home: Roger Mellin Returns to AIK”
**Host: ** Welcome back to the show, Roger. It’s great to have you back. Many fans were surprised to see you return to AIK, especially mid-season. Can you tell us a bit about what led you back to the club?
**Mellin:** Well, it certainly wasn’t something I was actively seeking out, but when the opportunity arose, it felt right. After speaking with the club, the more we talked, the more I realized how much I missed being a part of AIK. There’s a special energy here, a unique passion from the fans and the players that’s hard to find anywhere else. [It’s a club deep in my heart] [It’s a club that feels like home].
**Host:** You’ve had success here before. What are your goals for the remainder of the season?
**Mellin:** My primary focus is to build on the foundation that’s already in place. We have a talented squad, and I want to help them reach their full potential. Our goal is to finish the season strong and make a push for a top spot in the Allsvenskan standings, while also looking ahead to next season and building a team that can compete for the long term.
**Host:** We all know Allsvenskan is a competitive league. What challenges are you anticipating, and how will you approach them?
**Mellin:** It’s a tough league, for sure. Every team brings a unique challenge. But I’m confident in this group of players. They have the talent and the work ethic to overcome any obstacle.
We’ll focus on playing our own style of football, possession-based, attacking football. We’ll also emphasize teamwork and communication. Winning in Allsvenskan requires a collective effort, and that’s what we’ll be striving for.
**Host:** Well, Roger, thank you for taking the time to chat with us. We wish you and AIK all the best for the rest of the season.
