One player that caught Peter Antoine’s eye was the then junior player Marcus Ekenberg.
– He was the one who picked me up and gave me the chance, says Ekenberg and remembers the charismatic coach’s leadership style.
– He was tough but fair and I liked that. He taught me that hard work counts.
The striker played in Mjällby between 1997-2016 with a break for games in Helsingborg around the turn of the millennium. He says he was saddened when he was contacted by the news of Antoine’s passing.
– I have so much to thank Peter for in my career, says Marcus Ekenberg.
“He believed in us”
Patrik “Bagarn” Rosengren also got his breakthrough when Antoine gave him playing time in the early 90s. He is taken by the news of Antoine’s passing.
– It’s damn sad, he says.
In later years, Rosengren became friends with his old coach, but remembers his leadership style as harsh with a lot of profanity and harsh words.
– He shouted at us young people a lot, but it was his way of showing that he believed in us, that we could go far, says Patrik Rosengren.
– He dared to say what he thought.
“Took care of us younger”
Mattias Asper was also given the chance by Peter Antonie and became Mjällby AIF’s first goalkeeper in 1994.
– He saw and took care of us younger ones, says Mattias Asper.
He too appreciated Peter Antoine’s straight and tough leadership style.
– I think he was far ahead in his football and coaching thinking even then.