Djurgården will reportedly try to stop Hammarby star Nahir Besara in the Swedish Cup quarter-final derby on Sunday at 15:00. The match will be broadcast on Expressen. According to Djurgården's coach Jani Honkavaara, Besara is a creative force for Hammarby and has been in good form, topping the cup's goal and points statistics with five goals.
Honkavaara said Djurgården has many defensive options, including man-marking, but it is difficult to focus solely on Besara. Besara reportedly responded that Djurgården has tried to stop him before and that if they focus on him, it will open up opportunities for other Hammarby players. He also reportedly said Djurgården has everything to lose as they need to win the cup to play in Europe.
if they focus on me, it will open opportunities for other Hammarby players
The draw for the quarter-final reportedly did not come as a shock to Djurgården, with Honkavaara noting it was a short trip and a new derby chance. Piotr Johansson of Djurgården reportedly said the team was sharp last fall but had bigger egos then. Hammarby's style under Kalle Karlsson has reportedly not changed much, with some defensive adjustments and more flexibility compared to under Kim Hellberg.
Djurgården has everything to lose as they need to win the cup to play in Europe