Halmstads BK’s defensive crisis is deepening. Over their last three Allsvenskan matches, the side has conceded 11 goals, and Monday’s 0-3 defeat away to Djurgården left Stuart Baxter in no doubt about the urgency of change. The Englishman, back at the club since May, faced the press with a blunt assessment of why the trip home would be a long one.
What happened at Tele2 Arena?
Djurgården dominated from the first whistle to the last. Halmstads BK, currently 11th in Allsvenskan with 35 points from 30 games, never looked like trouble for a well-drilled home side. Baxter was scathing about the cheap goals conceded: we cannot give away such easy chances against a team like Djurgården. The side has now shipped 50 goals this season and sits on a goal difference of -26, the worst in the league.
Why is Stuart Baxter worried?
Baxter took charge of a side rooted at the foot of the table and just four points above the relegation playoff spot. After the World Cup break they shipped five at Malmö FF, and the restart showed the same flaws. Against Djurgården it was defence that cracked again. It won’t sort itself out unless we stop the bleeding, Baxter said, stressing that the team must work harder to turn the tide.
What do the numbers say about Halmstads BK?
The side now has 10 wins, five draws and 15 losses from 30 games, with recent form reading WDLWL. That’s slight improvement, yet far from reassuring. They have scored 24 and conceded 50, figures Baxter will not accept. We cannot expect to win games when we gift goals to Västerås and Djurgården, he said, noting the side trails leaders Mjällby AIF by 40 points.
What’s next for Halmstads BK?
Baxter is clear: immediate changes are required. With just four points above the drop zone, every conceded goal risks a heavy price. It’s about stopping the bleeding, he said, promising even harder work with the squad. For Halmstads BK, the next step is to see whether the defence can keep a clean sheet-or whether the crisis will deepen further.
