Henrik Rydström Defensive Tactics At Malmö FF 2024 – Led By Pontus Jansson

Another Allsvenskan season has concluded, and for a second season in a row, Henrik Rydström’s Malmö FF have emerged victorious as Swedish champions.

Much has been written about Rydström’s innovative ‘relationist’ tactics in possession, including our tactical analysis in 2023.

However, Di Blåe also ended the 2024 campaign with the joint-best defensive record in Sweden’s top flight, having conceded only 25 goals in 30 games.

Malmö’s expected goals against (xGA) tally sat at 31.42 come the end of the campaign as well, placing Di Blåe top of that particular table as well for this year, while no Allsvenskan side allowed their opponents to take fewer shots on their goal than Malmö either this term.

This Allsvenskan tactical analysis focuses on Henrik Rydström’s defensive tactics, particularly how his back four works together to form a solid, protective defensive unit in front of goalkeeper Johan Dahlin.

Malmö Defensive Structure & Philosophy

Under Henrik Rydström coaching style, Malmö were the most aggressive pressing side in Allsvenskan this season, finishing with the lowest PPDA (8.62) and the second-highest challenge intensity (5.9) among all teams in the league.

Primarily defending in a 4-2-3-1 formation this season, with the 4-4-2 being just slightly less commonly used, Malmö’s defensive tactics will often see them pressing from a mid-block, with the defensive line typically resting just behind the centre-circle.

Their wingers sit narrow, helping to create a structure that significantly congests the parks middle, as shown above.

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