Hofvander reveals mental impact of injury behind difficult Örgryte start

William Hofvander has revealed that a foot injury sustained during his time at AIK had a significant psychological impact on his performances following his move to Örgryte IS last winter.

The defender's transfer from AIK to the Gothenburg club raised eyebrows after a difficult autumn campaign where he struggled to secure a starting position and was sent off against Kalmar FF, ruling him out of the crucial playoff against IFK Norrköping.

"I have reflected a lot and concluded that the foot injury I had didn't bother me physically, but I was affected psychologically and mentally," Hofvander told https://www.fotbollskanalen.se/artiklar/allsvenskan/hofvander-oppnar-upp-om-tuffa-tiden-i-aik-och-ois-de-flesta-forstar-inte.

The injury, which occurred during his AIK days, continued to affect him mentally throughout the autumn. "I came to a team that was working very well, and I wasn't in form. Then it's difficult to get into it," he explained.

However, heading into the 2026 season, Hofvander's situation has dramatically improved. After a full pre-season with Örgryte, the defender has regained his starting position and confidence.

"I feel like a completely different player now, both defensively and offensively," he stated.

Hofvander will have the chance to showcase his renewed form in Sunday's derby against GAIS. "It's going to be really fun. I think it's going to be a real battle," he said about the upcoming Gothenburg clash, which you can read more about here: https://swedishfootballnews.com/news/orgryte-eye-derby-upset-against-injury-hit-gais-gothenburg.