HJK has a match with huge stakes today, even a loss can be enough for the group stage of the European games – Jukka Raitala praises a “sovereign” performance

HJK will face Slovenian NK Maribor in the third qualifying round of the Europa League. HJK leads the match pair 2–0. The match starts on Thursday, August 10 at 19:00. KuPS plays as a guest of the Swiss Young Boys in the Conference League qualifiers from 22:00. Young Boys leads the match pair 2–0.

Defender of HJK Jukka Raitala believes in the next place when the team welcomes the Slovenian champion Maribor. Last week, HJK won the first leg of the Europa League qualifiers 2–0.

– I expect that zero will remain in their own hands. A 1–0 or 2–0 home win will lead us to the last qualifying round of the Europa League, says Raitala.

Even a one-goal loss is enough for HJK to qualify for the playoffs. At the same time, the next place would mean that HJK advances to at least the group stage of the Conference League.

In the last qualifying round of the Europa League, Silkeborg IF, who finished third in the previous season in the Danish premier league, awaits. The winner of that pair of matches advances to the Europa League group stage, while the loser ends up in the Conference League group stage.

Raitala says that last week’s “almost perfect away game” gives the team faith in Thursday’s match, although one should not get too carried away with the good feeling.

– Maribor will be tough because they have to score at least those two goals. We shouldn’t play too aggressively.

According to Raitala, the middle block of the first match, the tighter defense of the middle third of the field, could also work in Töölö. HJK defends lower compared to Finland’s main league matches, Raitala describes.

– Even though I say this, it does not mean that we only defend ourselves. Of course we’re going to win, because even that has its dangers if we just try to defend for 90 minutes.

Raitala has the means of a “sovereign home victory” in mind. He says that in the away game the team wants to run the opponent and have more ball control.

– If you can move their defensive formation, it will certainly tear, and there are good passing spaces. Let’s play as bravely as last time and finish even better, says Raitala.

A Brazilian playing on the wing Murilo could be the key to breaking down Maribor’s defense. Murilo is hot as hell at the moment. Raitala describes his partner as a very physical player.

– We get along well, as I myself have played as a left winger and Murilo as a wingback quite a lot on the same wing. He is offensive, while I take care of the defense.

Raitala states that the brass player is hard to concentrate. Murilo looks for a “left foot free all the time”, which allows the attackers to expect the ball to enter the penalty area at some point in the match.

– He has given a lot of high-quality crosses. A really good player and an important part of our attacking play.

At home, HJK is expected to control the game and win after victory. Opponents end up defending often and tend to counterattack. At Eurokent, the settings are on top, when HJK has to defend against teams that are tougher than before and tries to score goals with quick counterattacks.

– Everyone as an individual thinks about how to motivate themselves for each game. They are two slightly different types of situations, which requires the players to adapt according to who comes up against them, Raitala estimates.

– Some of the matches in the Veikkausliiga have not been good enough. KuPS is leading at the moment and we cannot be satisfied with that. I think we have succeeded quite well at the Europe Games, he continues.

Kuopio Palloseura and HJK are tied, but the team from Helsinki has played more matches.

Raitala praises the defensive game and for good reason; HJK has conceded the fewest goals (13) of the main league teams.

– Many things work well, but killing games like that has been the biggest challenge of the league season. Not only the Oulu game (1-1) but also many other matches have been difficult. Utilizing the goal posts has been a challenge.

HJK’s point losses make the critics open their verbal casket, but Raitala says that the discussion is not really being followed. Instead, he states that only the championship is good for HJK.

– Sure, criticism is sometimes deserved. It shows that people are interested and they care, which is a good thing for Suomi futis.

Football people have also been addressed by the former and current national team players collected by HJK. They include, among others Perparim Hetemaj, Joona Toivio, Paulus Arajuuri, Pyry Soiri, Lucas Lingman and Raitala. He commented on the matter with joy.

– It’s nice to share everyday life with them, enjoy futs and work together – a really wonderful time. I really feel at home at HJK.

Raitala assures that the team is capable of striking and that HJK has a “fantastic team spirit”. Raitala is satisfied with his own season and the responsibility he has received. For example, he has played full minutes in HJK’s five European games.