Sheffield United’s Ismaila Coulibaly struggled initially after joining AIK on a loan deal earlier this year.
Back in March, AIK manager Henning Berg was critical of the midfielder and asked him to get better. He’s managed two goals and an assist from nine games for them so far and both goals were scored in the Swedish club’s 6-2 win over Norrköping at the weekend.
After the tie, Fotbollskanalen had a chat with Berg, Ioannis Pittas and the Sheffield United owned player to discuss the latter’s performance.
Berg deployed him in the middle of the pitch against Norrköping and the player wants to continue in the same position. The 23-year-old struggled with injuries and has been restricted to limited playing time in the past few years, and is pleased to have scored a brace.
“To be honest, these two goals are very important to me. I’ve been struggling with my career for the last two years and for the last three years I haven’t played many games. This means a lot to me,” he said.
The Mali international’s loan deal with AIK lasts until July 31st, after which he has to return to Sheffield United. In the summer window, the Blades will have to make a decision on whether to include him in Chris Wilder’s plans or part ways with him.
If it were up to the player, he would prefer to continue with AIK, after their sporting director, Thomas Berntsen, decided to bet on him.
“Berntsen has really shown confidence in me and helped me. I came here as a player who had not played much. So, my door for AIK is open. It’s up to AIK and Sheffield to decide, but my door is open,” Coulibaly explained.
When asked if it’s possible for AIK to buy him, he added: “It could be difficult. Because I had to fight to even come here on loan. Sheffield didn’t want to include an option to buy.
“But I’m open to a continuation and it’s up to AIK and Sheffield United. It would be okay for me to stay and I really trust Berntsen. I know I can make a fresh start in my career here. Everything is possible. Especially if AIK fights for the title.”
