Melker Ellborg Benched Again Despite Strong Europa League Showing for Malmö FF
Despite a crucial penalty save and strong performance, Melker Ellborg will be benched again as Robin Olsen remains Malmö FF's first-choice goalkeeper after their Europa League loss to Panathinaikos.
- • Melker Ellborg saved a penalty but Malmö FF lost 1-0 to Panathinaikos in the Europa League.
- • Coach Anes Mravac confirmed Robin Olsen will start the next match, benching Ellborg again.
- • Ellborg remains humble, not considering himself above Olsen in the team hierarchy.
- • Malmö FF has only one point from four Europa League matches and must improve to advance.
Key details
Malmö FF goalkeeper Melker Ellborg delivered an impressive performance against Panathinaikos in the Europa League, notably saving a penalty from Karol Swiderski. However, despite his efforts, including keeping the score goalless for a significant portion of the match, Malmö lost 1-0 due to a late goal by Filip Djuricic in the 85th minute. Analyst Johan Dolck Wall highlighted the team's low individual skill levels and stressed the need to resolve Malmö's goalkeeping dilemma effectively.
Even with Ellborg’s strong form, Malmö FF’s coach Anes Mravac confirmed that Robin Olsen remains the club’s first-choice goalkeeper. Mravac explained that Ellborg was given his chance due to a busy schedule and that Olsen will start the next match against Gais, with Ellborg set to be benched again. Ellborg himself remains humble about his role, acknowledging he has not surpassed Olsen in the team's hierarchy and expressing gratitude for his opportunity after a difficult previous season in the Superettan.
Currently, Malmö FF sits with just one point after four Europa League games and prepares to face Nottingham Forest next on November 27. The club faces pressure to improve both in goalkeeping consistency and overall team performance to advance to the knockout stages.