EXCLUSIVE: Rosengren discusses Malmo's championship ambitions and AIK's Flataker envisions a strong season

Rosengren was far more upbeat following Malmo's trip from AIK's Strawberry Arena with a complete set of three points from a fiercely contested 1-0 triumph, getting back to victories after their initial slip-up of the campaign, whereas AIK has now faced consecutive defeats after an encouraging opening.

Read Flashscore's report of AIK 0-1 Malmo here.

The 22-year-old Rosengren ignited the action leading to the game's sole goal, despite it not counting towards his personal goals or assists record. After the match, when chatting with Flashscore, he expressed joy in contributing, but was swift to praise his colleagues, then elaborated on how the current year differs from a disappointing 2025.

You contributed to the goal without receiving credit for the score or assist, yet you were the inventive spark for the side.

"Precisely! I wish football tracked hockey assists too! Naturally, it felt great to help create the goal, and it was a superb delivery from Haksa (Sead Haksabanovic) to Erik (Botheim), so it belongs to them mainly."

However, the victory was secured defensively today, particularly towards the end of the second period with an outstanding display from your keeper Johan Dahlin. How does he manage it at 39?

"He's an absolute powerhouse! I hope I'm in similar condition at 39! He stays incredibly fit through rigorous training and dedication. It's brilliant having three elite Allsvenskan goalkeepers in our lineup, and Johan shone brightly today."

You've secured two major away triumphs recently against Djurgarden and now AIK. Are these the sorts of fixtures you're clinching this year that eluded you last season?

"Yes, we struggled last season to take these away games. We now possess a winning mindset and do whatever is required to succeed, which matters greatly. That drive comes from the coach (Miguel Angel Ramirez), but also from us as a unit. We've bonded closely and now battle for one another, which can yield many wins."

Including the league crown this year?

"We'll give our all to claim it! That's our target."

Flataker entered the pitch early in the second half to inject fresh energy into AIK's forward line. The Norwegian helped make his team far more threatening up front with his presence, yet the Stockholm outfit managed everything except finding the net.

Even after a second defeat in the opening five matches, the striker is convinced his squad can meet the high expectations for a team like AIK, although they remain mere novices under new boss Jose Riveiro.

You generated numerous opportunities today and did nearly everything except convert them. How would you describe your team's offensive effort?

"Well, initially, we lacked boldness and didn't press with the same vigour as in the latter period. But then we displayed grit, rallied the supporters, and came incredibly close, though football isn't always just! The ball wouldn't cross the line, and we dropped the points."

What areas can the squad focus on in practice after such a game where you executed well but lacked that touch of fortune against a superb keeper?

"That's an excellent point! We simply need to refine what we've been practising and elevate it. The scores will arrive, along with the results, I'm confident. Yes, persist with the effort, and it will materialise. Stay united, that's crucial."

With a fairly new coach, do you sense his vision is being adopted, or is it still evolving?

"No, we grasp our roles now and must enhance them. As he puts it, we're still infants! We'll develop into youths, then fully formed players! Building as a collective requires patience, this is merely the beginning. And it will be excellent!"

After an unbeaten streak of three, you've faltered against two Swedish football giants. Do you remain assured of challenging these top teams?

"Naturally, the goal is victory every time! AIK belongs among the leaders, and I believe we can achieve that this season. As evident in the second half versus Malmo today, we created more openings, particularly later, but they claimed the points. So, we keep grinding, and I reckon it will be a solid year."