Andreas Alm
Andreas Alm (born 19 June 1973) is a Swedish professional football manager and former player, currently serving as head coach of Latvian club FK Liepāja in the Virslīga league.[1] Born in Gällivare, Sweden, Alm began his career as an attacking forward and retired in 2008 after a modest professional tenure marked by stints in Sweden's top divisions.[2][3] Alm's playing career spanned from 1989 to 2007, primarily in Swedish football, where he featured for clubs including Eskilstuna City FK (1989–1993 and 2006–2007), Hammarby IF (1995–1997), AIK Solna (2000–2003), and IFK Norrköping (2003–2005).[3][4] He also had a brief spell abroad with Norwegian side Kongsvinger IL (1998–1999).[3] Over his career, Alm appeared in 66 senior matches, scoring 26 goals, though he did not achieve major individual honors or international caps.[2] Transitioning to coaching, he began as head coach at Eskilstuna City in 2007, followed by youth and assistant roles before taking senior managerial positions. Alm's coaching career gained prominence with a long tenure at AIK Solna, where he managed from 2011 to 2016, guiding the club to consistent top-tier finishes including second place in 2011 and 2013, and third in 2014 and 2015.[1] Subsequent roles included Vejle BK in Denmark (2016–2017), BK Häcken in Sweden (2018–2021), Odense Boldklub in Denmark (2021–2023), and IFK Norrköping (2024), before his appointment at FK Liepāja on 8 May 2025.[1] Known for an attacking style of play, Alm has managed over 500 competitive matches across multiple leagues; he secured the Svenska Cupen with BK Häcken in 2019, though he has yet to win a league title as a head coach.[5] His international experience and tactical adaptability have established him as a respected figure in Scandinavian and Baltic football.[6]Early life
Childhood in Gällivare
Gert Andreas Alm was born on 19 June 1973 in Gällivare, a small mining town in Norrbotten County, northern Sweden, located approximately 100 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle.[7] Gällivare, founded in the 17th century, has long been centered around iron ore mining, with nearby sites like Malmberget and Aitik serving as key economic hubs in a region marked by vast forests, lakes, and harsh subarctic conditions, including long winters from November to May.[8][9] Alm spent his first two years in nearby Pajala, another rural community in the Tornedalen area, before his family relocated south to the Mälardalen region and eventually Eskilstuna due to limited employment opportunities in the north.[10] His family background reflects a working-class heritage tied to the industrial landscape of Norrbotten: his mother's side, the Niemi family, originates from Pajala, while his father's roots trace to Karlsborgsverken near Kalix.[10] This move was driven by the economic challenges in the mining-dependent north, where job scarcity prompted many families to seek better prospects elsewhere.[10] Despite the early relocation, Alm maintained strong connections to his northern origins, spending summers from age three onward visiting grandparents in Tornedalen, which fostered a deep sense of identity with the region's people and nature.[10] The sparse, resilient communities of Gällivare and Pajala, shaped by the demanding northern climate and mining economy, provided an early environment of simplicity and endurance. Alm's physical attributes, standing at 1.80 meters tall and later developing as a striker, were evident from his youth, aligning with the robust build suited to such rugged surroundings.[11][12] Alm's initial interest in football emerged through the local communities of northern Sweden, where the sport offered a communal outlet amid the isolation and cold winters, building resilience in young players like him during informal play and family visits.[10] This early exposure in the mining town's tight-knit setting laid the groundwork for his lifelong passion, even as his family transitioned south.Youth football development
Alm joined the youth ranks of IK City in Eskilstuna in 1980, at the age of seven, initiating his structured football training in a club known for nurturing local talent.[13][14] From 1980 to 1988, he advanced through the club's various youth teams, focusing on building core skills as a striker and gaining experience in competitive matches against regional opponents.[15][12] The family's move from Gällivare to the Stockholm area during his early childhood provided Alm with enhanced opportunities in youth football, transitioning him from northern Swedish play to the more developed systems near the capital.[11]Playing career
Early senior years: IK City and Hammarby IF
Andreas Alm made his senior debut with IK City, the predecessor to Eskilstuna City FK, in 1989 at the age of 16, beginning his professional career in Sweden's lower divisions.[16] He remained with the club through 1993, playing primarily in Division 2 and contributing as a developing forward in regional competitions, where he honed his skills in a competitive local environment.[3] This period laid the foundation for his transition to higher levels, building on his youth experience within the same organization.[10] In 1995, Alm signed with Hammarby IF, entering the Allsvenskan for the first time and establishing himself as a key striker in the top flight.[2] During his debut season, he featured in 11 league matches, logging 990 minutes and scoring 1 goal, as Hammarby navigated a challenging campaign to finish 12th and maintain mid-table stability.[17] Alm's physical attributes—standing 1.80 meters tall and weighing 80 kilograms—provided a strong presence in the box, complemented by his clinical finishing that proved effective in limited opportunities.[11] Following Hammarby's relegation, Alm stayed with the club for the 1996 and 1997 seasons in Division 1 Norra, where he played a pivotal role in their resurgence.[3] His contributions as a target man helped drive the team's attack, culminating in Hammarby topping the division in 1997 to secure promotion back to the Allsvenskan. He solidified his reputation for combining aerial prowess with opportunistic scoring.[2]Mid-to-late career: Kongsvinger IL, AIK, and IFK Norrköping
In 1998, Andreas Alm transferred to Kongsvinger IL in Norway's second-tier OBOS-ligaen, seeking greater playing opportunities abroad after his time at Hammarby IF. Over two seasons (1998–1999), he made 47 appearances and scored 16 goals, establishing himself as a reliable attacking midfielder in a competitive league environment.[18] Alm returned to Sweden in 2000, joining Allsvenskan side AIK on a permanent basis for a reported transfer fee, marking a significant step up in his career. During his four-year stint (2000–2003), he featured in 44 Allsvenskan matches, netting 20 goals and providing 6 assists, while also contributing 5 goals in domestic cups and 1 in European competitions across 61 total appearances. His scoring rate of 0.454 goals per league match ranked as the second-highest in AIK since the early 1960s, with standout moments including a hat-trick against BK Häcken in 2001 and a decisive strike in the derby against Hammarby IF that same year; these efforts helped AIK mount strong challenges for the league title in 2000 and 2001, though injuries limited his impact in later seasons.[19][14] Seeking a fresh start amid injury concerns, Alm moved to IFK Norrköping in July 2003, initially on loan before signing permanently. From 2003 to 2005, including Allsvenskan in 2003 and Superettan in 2004–2005, he appeared in 52 matches and scored 23 goals, serving as a key forward and playmaker that bolstered the team's attacking output during their campaigns. His prolific form at Norrköping, combining technical skill with goal-scoring instinct, cemented his status as one of Sweden's most effective midfielders of the era.[12]Retirement at Eskilstuna City
In 2006, Andreas Alm returned to Eskilstuna City FK, the club where he had started his youth career, signing for the team in Sweden's Division 2 Södra Svealand to continue playing in a lower-division environment. This homecoming followed his departure from IFK Norrköping in Superettan and represented a deliberate step back from higher-level competition after over a decade in professional leagues. Alm's move allowed him to reconnect with his roots in Eskilstuna while easing into the later stages of his playing days.[20] During the 2006–2007 seasons with Eskilstuna City, Alm made appearances in the third-tier league, though detailed individual statistics from this period remain sparse and added only modestly to his accumulated career figures. At the age of 34, he retired from football at the conclusion of the 2007 season, choosing a career transition to coaching amid the physical demands of the sport.[3][4][21] Post-retirement, he immediately assumed an initial coaching position at Eskilstuna City FK for the 2007–2008 campaign, laying the groundwork for his future managerial roles.[15][22]Managerial career
AIK
Andreas Alm joined AIK as an assistant coach in 2009, serving until 2010 under several head coaches including Mikael Stahre and Alex Miller.[7] On 16 December 2010, following the dismissal of Miller, Alm was promoted to head coach, leveraging his prior experience as a player for the club from 2000 to 2003, which provided deep insight into its culture and operations.[13][12] Alm's tenure as head coach lasted until 13 May 2016, encompassing 196 matches with 103 wins, 43 draws, and 50 losses, yielding a 52.55% win rate.[4] During this period, AIK achieved runner-up finishes in the Allsvenskan in both 2011 and 2013, establishing the club as a consistent top contender while finishing fourth in 2012 and third in 2014 and 2015.[23] He emphasized youth development, notably debuting promising talents like Alexander Isak in April 2016, who scored on his Allsvenskan debut at age 16 and quickly became a key prospect.[24] Despite these accomplishments, Alm was sacked on 13 May 2016 amid a complete breakdown in relations with the club's board, stemming from conflicts over seasonal goals and authority, even as the team maintained solid early-season form.[25]Vejle Boldklub
Andreas Alm was appointed head coach of Vejle Boldklub on 5 July 2016, marking his first managerial position outside Sweden following his departure from AIK. His experience at AIK, where he had established a reputation for structured play, aided his transition to Danish football. Alm departed the club on 30 May 2017 by mutual agreement after one season, during which he oversaw 35 matches across league and cup competitions, achieving 11 wins, 11 draws, and 13 losses for a win percentage of 31.43% and an average of 1.26 points per match.[7][26][27] Under Alm's guidance, Vejle Boldklub secured a 9th-place finish in the Danish 1st Division, comfortably avoiding relegation in a competitive second-tier league. He inherited a squad that had undergone significant rebuilding after a change in ownership earlier that summer, with only a handful of players retained from the previous campaign. Alm focused on integrating local Danish talents to foster team cohesion and adapt to the league's emphasis on technical possession and high pressing, primarily deploying a 4-4-2 formation to balance defensive solidity with counter-attacking opportunities.[28][7][29] The tenure concluded amid the club's broader organizational adjustments, as Alm and owner Andrew Zolotko agreed to part ways to preserve their positive working relationship after a challenging yet developmental year. This mid-table stability laid groundwork for Vejle's future promotions, though Alm sought new opportunities back in Sweden shortly thereafter.[27]BK Häcken
Andreas Alm was appointed head coach of BK Häcken on 8 December 2017, returning to Allsvenskan management after a stint in Denmark. His tenure officially began on 1 January 2018 and focused on building a competitive squad through balanced tactics and player development. Over the course of his time at the club, Alm oversaw 119 competitive matches, recording 54 wins, 32 draws, and 33 losses, for an average of 1.63 points per match.[30] In his debut season of 2018, Häcken finished 5th in the Allsvenskan with a record of 16 wins, 5 draws, and 9 losses, securing qualification for the UEFA Europa League second qualifying round the following summer. The team demonstrated resilience in a competitive league, ending the campaign strongly to clinch the European spot. Alm's approach emphasized offensive output, with Häcken scoring 58 goals in the league—the fourth-highest tally that year.[31] The 2019 season brought further achievements, including a Svenska Cupen victory that provided another path to European competition. Häcken ended the Allsvenskan in 6th place with 14 wins, 8 draws, and 8 losses, showcasing improved defensive solidity alongside attacking flair; the club conceded just 35 goals while netting 50. In July 2019, Alm signed a contract extension until 2022, highlighting the club's inspiring long-term progress and his commitment to collective growth. Participation in the 2019–20 UEFA Europa League qualifiers under Alm included advancing past Liepāja but falling to AZ Alkmaar in the second round.[32] Häcken's form peaked in 2020, finishing 3rd in the Allsvenskan with 12 wins, 13 draws, and 5 losses, earning qualification for the 2021–22 UEFA Europa Conference League. This position marked the club's highest league standing under Alm and underscored his success in fostering team cohesion amid a shortened season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Alm prioritized an attacking style, frequently deploying a 4-2-3-1 formation to maximize creative play, while integrating youth academy products into the first team to support sustainable building.[33][34] Alm left BK Häcken on 31 May 2021 after the club agreed to a transfer that allowed him to join Odense Boldklub in the Danish Superliga, presenting a fresh professional challenge. He coached the final matches of the spring, including the Svenska Cupen final, before departing.[35]Odense Boldklub
Andreas Alm was appointed head coach of Odense Boldklub on 1 June 2021, marking his return to Danish football after a previous role at Vejle Boldklub.[7] Over his tenure, which lasted until 2 November 2023, Alm oversaw 85 matches across all competitions, achieving 31 wins, 26 draws, and 28 losses, resulting in a win percentage of 36.47% and an average of 1.40 points per match.[36] His leadership focused on stabilizing the club amid financial constraints and competitive pressures in the Danish Superliga, where Odense had struggled to maintain consistency in recent years. The primary challenges during Alm's time at Odense involved navigating intense relegation battles in the Superliga's relegation round. In the 2021–22 season, the team finished 8th overall with a record of 8 wins, 14 draws, and 10 losses, securing survival through a balanced defensive approach that limited goals conceded to 46 in 32 matches.[37] The 2022–23 campaign mirrored this, again ending in 8th place with 12 wins, 10 draws, and 10 losses, as Odense edged out direct rivals by emphasizing squad resilience and key individual contributions to avoid the drop.[38] These efforts helped consolidate the club's position in the top flight, though the team often hovered near the bottom of the standings, highlighting ongoing issues with attacking potency and squad depth. Tactically, Alm predominantly deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation to balance defensive solidity with transitional play, evolving the setup mid-season to incorporate more fluid midfield rotations for better possession retention during relegation fights.[7] Key players developed under his guidance included young winger Yankuba Minteh, who had joined Odense in 2022 and emerged as a standout performer in 2023 with his pace and goal-scoring threat, contributing significantly to Odense's survival efforts before his transfer to Newcastle United in June 2023. Other reinforcements, such as defender Filip Helander on a free transfer from Rangers, bolstered the backline, aiding the tactical shift toward counter-attacking efficiency in the Superliga. Alm's dismissal came amid a dismal start to the 2023–24 season, where Odense managed just 3 wins, 3 draws, and 7 losses in the first 13 league fixtures, leaving the club in the relegation zone and prompting the board to seek fresh ideas to unlock the squad's potential.[39] Despite the challenges, his period at Odense included a run to the 2022 Danish Cup final, providing a highlight in an otherwise turbulent spell focused on Superliga survival.[4]IFK Norrköping
Andreas Alm was appointed as head coach of IFK Norrköping on December 29, 2023, signing a three-year contract until the end of 2026.[40] The club, which had finished ninth in the 2023 Allsvenskan season amid a period of underperformance, selected Alm due to his prior playing stint with the team from 2004 to 2005 and his extensive managerial experience at clubs like AIK and BK Häcken. Alm expressed enthusiasm for the role, noting the high expectations and his long-held desire to return to the club where he had previously competed.[40] During his tenure starting January 1, 2024, Alm aimed to revive IFK Norrköping's form following recent struggles that had placed the club under relegation pressure. The team endured mid-table challenges in the 2024 Allsvenskan, ultimately finishing 11th and securing survival only in the second-to-last round. Over 35 matches across league and cup competitions, Alm recorded 11 wins, 9 draws, and 15 losses, yielding a 31.4% win rate and 1.20 points per match.[41][42] Despite efforts to leverage his familiarity with the club's culture and implement tactical adjustments, the side scored 48 goals while conceding 66, reflecting ongoing defensive vulnerabilities and inconsistent results.[41] Alm was sacked on December 9, 2024, after the season's conclusion, with the club citing an evaluation that highlighted areas for improvement in work methods and overall team output.[42] Sporting director Magni Fannberg acknowledged Alm's qualities but stated that the environment had not allowed the club to maximize his potential, describing the decision as necessary for IFK Norrköping's progress.[42] The dismissal ended Alm's brief homecoming to Swedish football on a disappointing note, despite avoiding relegation.FK Liepāja
Andreas Alm was appointed manager of FK Liepāja on 8 May 2025, becoming the third coach for the club within a short period amid ongoing instability in the Latvian Higher League (Virslīga).[43] This move represented Alm's latest international appointment, building on his prior experience managing in Denmark.[7] He signed an initial contract until November 2026, which was extended in October 2025 to run through the end of the 2027 season.[44] Alm quickly adapted to the demands of the Virslīga, implementing a structured approach to team organization and player development suited to the league's competitive intensity.[45] Under his leadership, FK Liepāja achieved strong results, with Alm overseeing 28 matches by November 2025, recording 16 wins, 4 draws, and 8 losses for a 57.14% win rate and 1.86 points per match average. This performance secured third place in the Virslīga standings, the club's first podium finish since 2021.[46] The focus of Alm's tenure has been on building toward European qualification, with Liepāja's improved form highlighting his tactical acumen in elevating the squad's performance against domestic rivals.[44] This success abroad contrasts with his previous domestic challenges, underscoring a revitalized phase in his managerial career.Broadcasting career
TV4 commentary role
Following his retirement from professional football in 2008, Andreas Alm transitioned into media work, beginning with temporary appearances as a football expert on TV4 in 2008 while serving as manager of Eskilstuna City FK.[47] These initial stints focused on providing analytical commentary for Swedish domestic competitions, drawing on his experience as an Allsvenskan player. In October 2008, TV4 announced that Alm would take on a permanent role as fotbollsexpert starting in spring 2009. However, in November 2008, he left TV4 to join AIK as an assistant coach, marking an approximately 16-year hiatus from on-air broadcasting.[47][48] He returned to TV4 in February 2025, shortly after his dismissal from IFK Norrköping in December 2024, resuming duties as a co-commentator and studio expert with a focus on tactical insights derived from his extensive playing and managerial background.[49] His comeback began with the Svenska Cupen group stage, including the match between IFK Göteborg and Oddevold on February 16, 2025, and extended to Allsvenskan coverage in early 2025 until his appointment as head coach of FK Liepāja in May 2025.[50] In his renewed role, Alm emphasized live match analysis, combining his journalistic precision with on-field perspectives to explain strategic decisions and player performances, often referencing experiences from clubs like AIK, BK Häcken, and IFK Norrköping.[51] This work bridged gaps in his coaching career, allowing him to stay engaged with Swedish football while providing viewers with nuanced, experience-based punditry during major events such as derbies and international breaks. TV4 sports editor Johan Cederqvist highlighted Alm's "genuine curiosity and ability to explain developments" as key to his contributions.[49] In August 2025, while managing FK Liepāja, Alm expressed interest in potentially resuming TV commentary work in the future.[52]Other media activities
In addition to his primary broadcasting role, Andreas Alm has engaged in various other media endeavors, including authoring a novel and appearing as a guest on podcasts and radio programs focused on Swedish and Danish football. In 2022, Alm debuted as a novelist with En av elva, a fictional account drawing from his experiences in professional football management, exploring themes of power dynamics and internal club politics in an Allsvenskan top club.[53] The book received attention in Swedish football media, where Alm discussed its inspirations in interviews, highlighting the "constant power games" within the sport.[54] Alm has frequently served as a guest analyst on prominent Swedish football podcasts, providing insights into tactics, team management, and league developments during periods between managerial roles. Notable appearances include multiple episodes of the Lundh podcast, such as in February 2023, where he reflected on his coaching philosophy and the Danish talent development system while at Odense Boldklub, and another in 2022 discussing his novel and career transitions.[55][54] He also featured on Tutto Balutto around his time at Odense, analyzing Scandinavian football structures and his abrupt departure from AIK in 2016.[56] On radio, Alm guested Radio Råsunda in 2019, addressing AIK's tactical preparations and squad selections ahead of the Allsvenskan season.[57] Following his dismissal from Odense Boldklub in November 2023 and subsequent sacking from IFK Norrköping in December 2024, Alm's media engagements expanded during unemployment phases, with guest spots on platforms like the April 2025 episode of a Swedish football podcast, where he commented on Champions League dynamics and physical attributes in modern play.[58] He has also provided extensive interviews to print and online outlets, such as Aftonbladet, discussing his tactical approaches and club challenges— for instance, a February 2024 feature on rebuilding IFK Norrköping from mid-table obscurity.[59] This post-2023 evolution reflects a broadening of his media footprint, leveraging his expertise in tactics and leadership amid frequent career shifts, though no regular columns or dedicated coaching clinics have been documented.[60]Honours
As player
Andreas Alm did not win any major titles or honours during his playing career.[2] His contributions were notable in helping AIK achieve mid-table finishes, including a third-place position in the 2000 Allsvenskan season. At Hammarby IF, Alm played a role in the team's promotion back to the Allsvenskan ahead of the 1998 season following relegation in 1995.[61]As manager
Andreas Alm has not won any league titles as a manager, but his career features notable achievements including a domestic cup victory and several runner-up finishes in league and cup competitions. With AIK, he guided the team to second place in the Allsvenskan during the 2011 and 2013 seasons, marking the club's strongest performances in those years despite falling short of the championship.[45][4] In 2019, Alm secured his only major trophy by leading BK Häcken to victory in the Svenska Cupen, defeating Djurgårdens IF 3–0 in the final, which also qualified the team for the UEFA Europa League.[7] His tenure at Häcken included participation in Europa League qualifiers in 2018 and 2019, where the team advanced past early rounds before elimination, and a Svenska Cupen runner-up finish in 2021.[4] At Odense Boldklub, Alm achieved a Danish Cup runner-up position in 2022, losing 3–4 on penalties to Midtjylland after a 0–0 draw, though the club faced relegation from the Superliga at the end of the 2023–24 season.[7] Despite these highlights, Alm's managerial record reflects consistent top-half league finishes across multiple clubs—such as sixth place with Häcken in the 2019 Allsvenskan—but no further silverware, underscoring a career of competitive near-misses rather than dominant success.[45] With FK Liepāja, he led the team to 3rd place in the 2025 Virslīga.| Competition | Club | Achievement | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allsvenskan | AIK | Runner-up | 2011 |
| Allsvenskan | AIK | Runner-up | 2013 |
| Svenska Cupen | Häcken | Winner | 2019 |
| Svenska Cupen | AIK | Runner-up | 2013 |
| Svenska Cupen | Häcken | Runner-up | 2021 |
| Danish Cup | Odense BK | Runner-up | 2022 |
| Virslīga | FK Liepāja | 3rd place | 2025 |
Career statistics
Playing statistics
Andreas Alm's professional playing career totaled 66 appearances and 26 goals across Swedish and Norwegian clubs from 1989 to 2007.[2][3] Detailed breakdowns by club are not fully documented in aggregate sources, but known top-division contributions include:| Club | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Hammarby IF (Allsvenskan) | 11 | 1 |
| AIK (Allsvenskan) | 44 | 20 |
| IFK Norrköping (Allsvenskan) | 12 | 6 |
| Kongsvinger IL (Eliteserien) | 25 | 9 |
Managerial statistics
Andreas Alm has managed a total of 498 matches throughout his career, achieving 226 wins, 124 draws, and 148 losses, resulting in an overall win percentage of 45.38%.[62][5] This win percentage is calculated using the formula (wins / total games) × 100. His record varies across clubs, with stronger performances in some Swedish and Danish teams. The following table summarizes his managerial statistics by club across all competitions, based on available data up to November 2025. Note that early stints at Eskilstuna City FK (2007–2008, approximately 10 matches, 4 wins, 3 draws, 3 losses) and a brief initial period at AIK (2009–2010 as assistant transitioning to manager, approximately 5 matches) are included in the overall totals but not broken out separately due to limited detailed records.| Club | Period | Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AIK | 2011–2016 | 196 | 103 | 42 | 51 | 52.55% |
| Vejle BK | 2016–2017 | 35 | 18 | 7 | 10 | 51.43% |
| BK Häcken | 2018–2021 | 119 | 62 | 22 | 35 | 52.10% |
| Odense BK | 2021–2023 | 85 | 35 | 22 | 28 | 41.18% |
| IFK Norrköping | 2024 | 35 | 10 | 10 | 15 | 28.57% |
| FK Liepāja | 2025 | 28 | 16 | 4 | 8 | 57.14% |