The Huahkajie camp is tense about the result of the head coach’s corona test.
Finland’s game against Northern Ireland will be led by either Markku Kanerva (left) or Mika Nurmela (second left). Jussi Eskola
The head coach of Huahkaji Markku Kanerva was announced at Thursday’s pre-match press conference.
However, Rive was not visible in the basement of the Olympic Stadium. His role was replaced by one of the assistant coaches of the national team Mika Nurmela.
– Of course, the week has been different because the head coach has not been involved in training. Otherwise, we have done everything despite the cold weather, Nure assured.
Kanerva was still sidelined for the team’s activities on Thursday. However, according to the Swedish Football Association, the prognosis is promising, and he is expected to recover in time for Friday’s match against Northern Ireland.
– We already knew in advance what we were supposed to do with the week. Of course, the training sessions are also videotaped, and Rive has watched them in his own room. This has been strange, but there is no problem here, Nurmela continued.
A place for face wash
Friday offers a chance to wash your face. There are no less than three European Championship qualifying defeats in a row, the last two of which came after a miserable performance.
– Naturally, October was a disaster for us. We just have to get back to our level. These matches are good preparation for March. There are big games waiting there, sitting next to Nurmela Teemu Pukki said.
Pukki is of course talking about the further qualification in March. Finland reached the reserve cartridge for the European Championships based on the game performances of the League of Nations.
The story continues after the picture
Teemu Pukki admitted that Huuhkajie’s performances have not been good. JUSSI ESKOLA
It is still too early to predict future opponents. They will be settled once and for all after this qualifying window closes.
– I would have expected Northern Ireland to be higher. They have good players and in March we had to fight hard to win. I think it will be a good match.
Debt to be paid
In practice, Friday’s matches no longer have a sporting stake. It doesn’t matter if the losing streak continues or if Finland takes a crushing victory.
For the Huuhkajie, it no longer matters much for the situation in the group stage.
– These are part of the preparation for the March matches. However, it’s difficult because we don’t know our opponents then, Nurmela said.
– We had quite a lot to improve from the October matches. We now know what we need to do better to get a good result. And it will definitely improve the team.
Pukki also reminded that the team has a kind of debt of honor to pay.
– We also have to give something back to the fans. They have supported us brilliantly.
– The previous matches were a big disappointment. Certainly we have a lot to improve.