Story Summary
Johan Garpenlöv has defended Djurgården head coach Robert Kimby amid mounting scrutiny over the Stockholm side’s early-season form. Djurgården are second from bottom after six rounds, having scored nine goals in six matches and been shut out twice at Globen.
Garpenlöv, who previously coached Djurgården and was dismissed in November 2023 after a difficult start to the 2023-24 season, said Kimby should not be judged after only five or six games. He believes the team have not yet performed to their capability.
The former Djurgården coach pointed particularly to the defensive group, saying the side need to improve their play from the back and their work without the puck in their own zone. At the other end of the early SHL table, newcomer Björklöven are third after five wins from six games, including a 4-0 opening victory over Djurgården.
Key Facts
- Johan Garpenlöv said Robert Kimby should be safe in his position, arguing that dismissing a coach after five or six matches would not be professional.
- Djurgården are second from bottom after six rounds and have scored nine goals in six games.
- Djurgården have been shut out twice at Globen this season.
- Garpenlöv said Djurgården have not yet played to their ability and identified play from the back and defending without the puck as areas requiring improvement.
- Garpenlöv coached Djurgården during the 2023-24 season and was dismissed in November following a difficult start.
- Björklöven are third after winning five of their first six matches, including a 4-0 victory over Djurgården in their opener.
- Björklöven are due to face Brynäs away on Thursday.
IHM Discussion
Garpenlöv’s intervention places the focus on performance rather than an immediate coaching change. His assessment is not that Djurgården lack ability, but that they have yet to show it consistently in the opening six rounds.
The detail in his criticism matters. He highlighted both the ability to start attacks from the defensive end and the team’s work without possession in their own zone. Those are connected parts of a side’s game, but they are distinct demands: clean exits can create more controlled attacks, while defensive-zone structure is required before any transition can begin.
Djurgården’s return of nine goals in six games gives added context to the discussion around their start. Garpenlöv did not present a sweeping verdict after the limited sample, stressing that he had watched only some matches and did not have a deeper analysis. His central argument was instead one of patience: Kimby should be allowed to continue working with the group rather than being judged on a handful of fixtures.
Björklöven provide the clear contrast in the same early-season picture. Garpenlöv said their defensive cohesion had surpassed his expectations, and their five victories have placed the newcomers third. The 4-0 opening win over Djurgården remains their standout early result.
Why It Matters
For Djurgården, the immediate issue is that an awkward start has produced both a low league position and limited scoring. Garpenlöv’s comments frame the response around improving the team’s game rather than changing the coach.
For Björklöven, the early evidence is more encouraging. Their position near the top of the table has been built on five wins and defensive organisation that Garpenlöv did not expect to be so strong at this stage.
Mini Q&A
Why is Robert Kimby under scrutiny?
Djurgården are second from bottom after six rounds, have scored nine goals in six games and have been shut out twice at Globen.
What did Johan Garpenlöv say about Kimby’s position?
Garpenlöv said Kimby should be safe and that dismissing a coach after five or six matches would not be professional.
How have Björklöven started the season?
The newcomers are third after five wins from six matches, having opened with a 4-0 win over Djurgården.
Coach Mark Comment
Six games are too few to settle a season, but they are enough to identify areas that require immediate attention. Djurgården’s challenge is to make their defensive-zone work and first pass more dependable, because those details shape how often a team can leave its own end with control. Garpenlöv’s call for patience is strongest when it is paired with clear improvement in those repeatable parts of the game.
What Comes Next
Björklöven’s next stated fixture is an away game against Brynäs on Thursday. Djurgården’s response after six rounds will remain under close attention as Kimby continues working with the team.
IHM Final View
Garpenlöv has offered Kimby a measured defence rather than an excuse for Djurgården’s start. The team’s scoring total, league position and two home shutouts make the concern understandable, but his view is that the answer lies in raising the standard of play, not making an early change behind the bench.