Captain Tuomas Haapala ready for the big games
- 20.07.2009 17:00 -
HJK captain, midfielder Tuomas Haapala is getting back in form after two minor injuries. Monday brought good news: HJK’s physiotherapist Sasu Setälä finally gave midfielder a full permission to play.
Haapala is back and ready for usage of head coach Antti Muurinen in the upcoming games. After midfielder Ville Taulo’s injury on Sundays match against TPS, could mean Haapala’s already called up for the second UEFA Europa League qualifying match against Lithuanian Vetra on the upcoming Thursday.
- There’s no pain or any other signs of injury any more. What comes to practice, I’m in full condition, but there’s still no certainty before I’ve had my first minutes in a real match, Haapala says.
- My fit will be tested either on Thursday against Vetra or on Friday with the second team Klubi 04.
About the rehab Haapala says it was decided that one or two weeks extra wouldn’t do any harm.
- In my opinion it paid off because there was no urgent need: team has played well. As a captain, I helped my team best by keeping out of the way, he smiles.
Haapala admits there have been some signs of tiredness after playing average two games per week, but he emphasizes the fact that if one wishes to have success one must have the stamina and mental strength to win, or at least fight for good result.
- Like during the first half of the Sunday’s game in Turku: it was obvious that we were a bit tired, but still we scored the first goal. It’s a shame we couldn’t keep that situation but TPS rose to draw in the end of the game. Draw and a point from as hard a game as that is still somewhat satisfying.
This weeks, and perhaps one of the, so far, most important game of the year will be played on Thursday 23rd of July. It’s the decisive game against Vetra. HJK took the lead in the first game by 0-1, but nothing certain yet.
- The first game showed that Vetra is a team to be reckoned with. We haven’t had that much time to recover so it all comes down to who wants to win. I absolutely trust my team, Haapala states.
- There’s no pain or any other signs of injury any more. What comes to practice, I’m in full condition, but there’s still no certainty before I’ve had my first minutes in a real match, Haapala says.
- My fit will be tested either on Thursday against Vetra or on Friday with the second team Klubi 04.
About the rehab Haapala says it was decided that one or two weeks extra wouldn’t do any harm.
- In my opinion it paid off because there was no urgent need: team has played well. As a captain, I helped my team best by keeping out of the way, he smiles.
Haapala admits there have been some signs of tiredness after playing average two games per week, but he emphasizes the fact that if one wishes to have success one must have the stamina and mental strength to win, or at least fight for good result.
- Like during the first half of the Sunday’s game in Turku: it was obvious that we were a bit tired, but still we scored the first goal. It’s a shame we couldn’t keep that situation but TPS rose to draw in the end of the game. Draw and a point from as hard a game as that is still somewhat satisfying.
This weeks, and perhaps one of the, so far, most important game of the year will be played on Thursday 23rd of July. It’s the decisive game against Vetra. HJK took the lead in the first game by 0-1, but nothing certain yet.
- The first game showed that Vetra is a team to be reckoned with. We haven’t had that much time to recover so it all comes down to who wants to win. I absolutely trust my team, Haapala states.
