Rantala: Lahti Cup is a good yardstick
- 31.01.2010 12:17 -
One week after the CIS Cup in Moscow and a new tournament beckons. According to assistant coach Juho Rantala the Uusi Lahti Cup presents a good opportunity to measure up against domestic competition.
HJK will open against local second division team City Stars. Rantala knows the opponent from his days coaching Klubi 04 in the same division.
- We cannot afford to underestimate them, of course. City Stars can be full of surprises, Rantala emphasizes.
Rantala feels good about the atmosphere within the team following the trip to Moscow. Now it's time to hit the pitch domestically and the team is excited.
- We've done well in practice. You can tell by the way we're working that the upcoming season is extremely important. We have to be able to display that confidence and enthusiasm on the pitch as well.
As for HJK:s strategy, Rantala indicates that rotation policy will be in effect over the weekend. Every player in the first team is scheduled to get playing time. Playing one game per day forces several changes and affords many players opportunities.
- This is a good opportunity for the coaching staff to see many players in a short period of time. For young guys the tournament is a good chance to see how they measure up against top domestic teams if we face Tampere United on Saturday.
HJK:s tactical approach will differ slightly from Moscow.
- I think we can press up the field and play more actively. In the first match we want to be in control.
