Joel Asoro, who rejoined Djurgården before the season, has made three substitute appearances in Allsvenskan before earning his first start against Elfsborg, where he played 63 minutes in a 2-1 away loss, according to Fotbollskanalen. Asoro said he felt ready to start against Hammarby and acknowledged he did not have a shot in the Elfsborg match, adding that he needs to threaten more behind the defence. He also noted that he has more freedom in his role this time at Djurgården compared to his previous stint.
Asoro played in five derbies against Hammarby between 2021 and 2023, recording two wins, two draws, and one loss, according to Fotbollskanalen. Djurgården as a team has struggled in derbies for many years and has lost two consecutive matches despite good performances. Asoro said he missed the Stockholm derbies during his time abroad and described the atmosphere in Sweden as completely different from playing at PSG's arena, which he called fantastic but lacking the same aura. Norwegian forward Kristian Lien is also looking forward to the match against Hammarby.
PSG away is fantastic but it's a completely different aura here in Sweden.
It was fun. It's been a long time since I started. I haven't done that since December. It feels good to get a few more minutes and to contribute with good energy.
I just have to try to threaten a bit more behind, in the depth. Try to get into positions. Because I don't think I even had a shot in that match. That's what I should try to change now.
If I get the chance, absolutely.
I have a bit more freedom, if I'm honest. I just have to bring out things that I've missed in recent years. It shows in training. But training is training. I want to bring it out in matches too.
It's nice. I feel that someone trusts me. I get a bigger role. I don't think anyone has said no to that.
It will be fun. It's been a long time since I played a derby against Hammarby. We'll see how it goes. It has been quite even over the years. We have won some, they have won some, and then we have drawn.
I have seen recently it hasn't been so positive but I will try to change that trend.
Of course. Honestly, it is absolutely fantastic to go out and play at PSG's arena. But when it comes to fans in Sweden… it's a completely different aura.
Yes, to 110 percent.
They score a lot of goals and such. I think it will be a match that goes back and forth. It will be fun. It's fun to face a good team.
I would rather take a match where they are better but we win because we are more careful. But if we can play well and score goals on that, then that's a bonus.