Relaxed Mohammed to save Peking crisis

Ghanaian striker Issa Mohammed is relishing the responsibility to solve IFK Norrkoping's scoring problems when the new Swedish season kicks off. "It doesn't put much pressure on me as I just have to give of my best," said Mohammed told onefootball.com.

Norrkoping only preserved their Allsvenskan status in 2001 thanks to a relegation play-off victory over Mjallby and the club from central Sweden could cite their struggles in front of goal as their Achilles heel last season as they repeatedly failed to kill off their opponents.

Their top league scorers could only manage six goals each, with midfielder Kristian Bergstrom finishing as one of a trio of players to reach that figure. The Sweden international admits there must be an improvement on the 29 league goals scored in 2001 if Norrkoping are to make an impression next season.

"Our main problem [last season] was in scoring goals," Bergstrom told onefootball.com. "When you don't score you get a little anxious when the ball comes near your own goal. Hopefully we'll put that right and be nearer the top of the table this season as a result."

Having achieved a largely favourable set of pre-season results, the signs are indeed positive for a squad containing seven new signings. Among the new men are three new strikers, with Mohammed arriving with the biggest reputation. The 21-year-old has eight full caps for Ghana to his name and made an instant impression at Norrkoping with a brace against AIK in a February friendly.

Bergstrom, for one, is pleased with what he has seen so far from the new recruit. "Issa is a real striker," he said. "He has good technique and is always going for goal. He might be the player we lacked last year."

Norrkoping coach Bengt-Arne Stromberg - who also arrived during the close season - is another member of Mohammed's growing fan club and expects big things from the player he signed from Sekonid Hasaacas Football Club in Ghana.

"Yes, I have high hopes for Issa Mohammed," Stromberg said. "He's a very fast player, quick with his feet and over a few yards. He has a good shot and can shoot unexpectedly. Although he is a small player he is strong mentally and I think he'll be an attraction in the Allsvenskan."

Correspondingly, Mohammed returns the compliment when discussing his first two months working with Stromberg in preparation for Sunday's Allsvenskan opener away to Kalmar FF.

"So far so good, because he [Stromberg] can prepare you well for a game and is a good coach," said the forward.

Mohammed has used his short time at the club to get to know his team-mates, learn a new language and adjust to the Swedish style of football. On initial impressions, the African is optimistic he has made a sound career move in joining Norrkoping.

"The Swedish league is not so different to that in Ghana. It is just as tactical with a little bit more strength in Sweden.

"I've only been here a couple of months, but I'm sure we can do better than last year," he added.