IFK Gothenburg endured a season haunted by thoughts of relegation. However, when it came to the crunch, they took 10 of the last 12 points available and finished in 12th place.
They started steadily enough and were further boosted by winning the Swedish Cup in late July to gain a place in the Europa League qualifiers. However, at the same time, league form dived and they went 14 matches without a win. The European adventure lasted 1 match as they were eliminated by Copenhagen. Aspiring young coach Asbaghi was sacked after 2 wins in 18 matches and the experienced Nilsson was hired. Despite losing 4 of his first 7 matches in charge, they came good at the end of the season and avoided relegation.
Goalkeeper Anestis played every match as Gothenburg conceded a better than average 41 goals. The defence was held together by Jallow and Holm with 26 appearances each as others came and went through injury and illness.
Erlingmark, Sana and Yusuf were regular starters in midfield with Aiesh and Farnerud not far behind. In total 12 midfielders were used during the season and goes some way to explain why they struggled for any consistency.
Gothenburg often laboured in attack with Karlsson-Lagemyr emerging as top-scorer with only 5 goals in 26 appearances. Abraham was disappointing with 3 goals in 27 appearances while injuries curtailed the season of the promising Kharaishvili.
Another turbulent season for IFK Gothenburg is over and they remain in the Allsvenskan. They may become more difficult to beat but it is hard to see them at the top in 2021.
