Huhkajat: Joel Pohjanpalo A resounding answer to Markku Kanerva – one thing he did not agree to say

Finland–Ireland 1–2 (1–0)

Striker Joel Pohjanpalon pain Huhkajie’s shirt is a unique suffering. His torment has long been to be a square block Markku Kanervan in a circular way of playing.

And when that opportunity finally comes – spiced up with a sloppy game style and surrounded by suitable player choices – Pohjanpalo hits right away.

And yet Finland loses.

Nothing is enough.

The Venetian hammer made it clear that he was disappointed with his role in Huuhkaj recently. The minutes have been sparingly for a long time, even though Pohjanpalo has been the Huuhkajie’s most consistent and warmest scorer at the club team level for several years.

Early season goals in Serie A finally gave Huuhkaj a spot in the starting line-up. Irish topper Nathan Collins completely failed to pass the goalkeeper Kevin Kelleherille. Pohjanpalo caught fire at the right time in the right place and got away.

Answer Kanerva’s previous lack of confidence came on the field, in the best possible way.

“It was nice to be able to play and show my skills on the field,” Pohjanpalo said after the match.

However, Pohjanpalo did not agree to publicly scold the head coach.

“I have not said that I am frustrated. But if the player does not play, then of course he is disappointed. Why do you play futsal if you want to play on the bench?”

“I have said before that our way of playing is perhaps not the most ideal for our part. It’s completely understandable then that I’m not the first name on the paper. When the opportunity comes, you have to use it. Unfortunately, the most important thing, i.e. the win, did not come.”

The finish was guaranteed Pohjanpalo.

“There was a bit of luck. I started to press, the keeper made a mistake and I was able to catch the ball. I had to make a goal out of it.”

Although Finland eventually lost, Pohjanpalo found a lot of good in the game. Finland created goalscoring chances much better than recently. However Glen Kamara, Benjamin Källman and Tomas Galvez all the great places were destroyed.

“A lot of new things have been introduced since the previous campaign. You can’t assume that everything will work 100% right away. We were much better at the offensive end. The opponent didn’t have many serious situations either. There is still room for improvement to achieve a win.”

Special situation defense was again modest from Finland. Pohjanpalo pointed out that Finland’s rather small defenders cannot be made bigger, but one way or another, ways must be found to defend centers and special situations better.

Pohjanpalo had a young winger next to him in the attack for the first time Topi Keskinen. The speedster, who left HJK for Scotland’s Aberdeen in the summer, showed his danger during the match. It was to Pohjanpalo’s mind.

“Topi is very fast, a good one-on-one player. He has a bright future and it was a pleasure to play with him.”