When Carljohan Eriksson was benched again in Scotland, the idea of ​​a loan was raised: “Very uncertain about playing time here as well, but worth it if I feel better”

Carljohan Eriksson has no guarantees that he will get playing time in the Danish league FC Nordsjælland this spring. After a difficult year in Scotland, he still welcomes a new everyday life with open arms.

This summer, Carljohan Eriksson stated that the most important season of his career awaited in Scotland. A little over six months later, the search for a temporary apartment solution near Copenhagen is highly topical.

– After the fall, I needed a fresh start. I wanted to change surroundings and enjoy football more again, says Eriksson.

The national team goalkeeper failed to establish himself as number one at Dundee United. Last autumn there were a total of eleven starts in the Scottish bottom team, but in the end it was the Australian Mark Birighitti who was the first choice.

– The club wanted two first-choice goalkeepers, but I finally realized that the coaches preferred him and you just have to swallow that. In the end I was left with the option to sit on the bench at Dundee and see what happens or go to another club.

At the end of the January window, it was clear that Eriksson is on loan to the Danish league leader FC Nordsjælland for the rest of the season.

– It is very uncertain if I will get playing time here as well, but if I can enjoy football more again, it might be worth it. I want to get my thoughts on a better track and felt that a change of environment would be good to feel better.

“Buy that they felt unsafe”

It has been just over a year since Carljohan Eriksson went to Dundee United after several fine seasons in Mjällby. His last year, however, has been tough football-wise.

Last spring, a tired Eriksson sat glued to the bench in Scotland after a long 2021 in Sweden.

– I didn’t manage to give the best possible impression to the rest of the team. Then the club chose to sign Mark before the premiership this summer, and the picture I painted in my head was that it was their reaction to me not living up to the club’s expectations. And frankly, I buy that they felt a little insecure with the Carljohan Eriksson they had last spring.

– After the summer holidays I felt refreshed and so I still started the season on the bench. It was a blast, but this happens all the time in every football team. It was the first time it had happened to me and therefore it felt extra difficult.

Eriksson doesn’t want to sound bitter. He buys the Dundee coaches’ choice. They gave him the chance after the team’s weak start – and it got even worse. The team ran aground with the 0–9 loss against Celtic in the fifth round.

– I had played two games and conceded twelve goals. It’s not the dream, exactly. It turned around a bit, but I played unevenly. And when I was benched again, I realized the situation.

– I was more or less goalkeeper number two and then the idea came to look for something else in January. I was looking for a more organized environment where I know what is expected and what my role is. That way I can get back to my best form.

Given first choice goalkeeper last fall

Eriksson is honest when he talks about the role he plays in FC Nordsjælland. When the table restarts the season against Lyngby on Sunday, he will be sitting on the bench.

Last fall, the Dane Andreas Hansen played all the games and conceded thirteen goals in seventeen games.

– They have been very happy with Andreas, but felt a little thin on the goalkeeper front and wanted to secure there when a fight for the league gold awaits. Whoever is the best gets to play, but I know where I’ve come. I’m here to push the team and help. In training, from the bench, on the pitch? I don’t expect playing time in every game.

I’m here to push the team and help. In training, from the bench, on the pitch? I don’t expect playing time in every game

During the club’s training camp earlier in February, Eriksson got to play in two matches where FC Nordsjælland fielded many academy players, while Hansen was matched with the first team.

The Finns disappeared

The entire club was in camp in Antalya, Turkey when the tragic earthquake claimed tens of thousands of lives.

– I didn’t notice anything, but some of the team had been woken up in the night by a shaking bed or a door slamming shut. We were not affected and were able to complete our camp, but of course it is a big disaster for the whole region where the earthquake happened.

During the autumn, the Finns Oliver Antman, Leo Walta and Maksim Stjopin belonged to the club, but now the three are on loan.

Eriksson gets to defend the blue and white colors in a club with a good reputation. FC Nordsjælland has a youth activity that is strong in Europe and the collaboration with the Right to Dream academy in Ghana characterizes everyday life.

– In our U19 team there are many who have come via Right to Dream, and in the dressing room a mix of French, English and Danish can be heard. In general, it is also noticeable that the autumn went well. There is a great self-confidence and it shows in the players.

– It also motivates me. Now I have a few months to come back and then we’ll see what happens this summer.