Huhkajat meets Scotland in Glasgow on June 7. at 21:45. will show the match on its channels.
Finnish striker Joel Pohjanpalo moved from German Leverkusen to Italian Venezia in the summer of 2022.
In Venice, “Jolle” has become a fan favorite, the star striker and captain of his club. Last fall, Pohjanpalo signed an extension until the summer of 2027.
In the recently ended season, Pohjanpalo and Venezia’s season got its stunning crown.
First, on the civilian side, Pohjanpalo became a father when he had a child with his German wife Catharina’s with.
Teemu Pukki has openly told how fatherhood has helped him approach football with a healthier attitude. At Huhkajie’s media conference, Pohjanpalo laughed heartily when asked if he had noticed similar effects.
– Well, for now, not. I’ve only been a father for eight weeks. The references are not long about being a father. It is clear and the biggest thing is that now there is a new thing in life that is number one.
A great crown for the season
On Sunday, Venezia beat Cremonese 1–0 and secured promotion to Serie A, Italy’s main league.
The regular season of Serie B had ended disastrously for Venezia, when the team lost what seemed to be a direct promotion spot.
Venezia dropped to third in Serie B, but that meant a place in the promotion qualifiers. Venezia’s second Finnish player, the goalkeeper, became a great hero Jesse Joronenwho only conceded one goal in the qualifiers.
Pohjanpalo didn’t score in the promotion qualifiers, but became the first Finn to win the Serie B goal exchange with 22 hits in 37 matches.
– A great feeling, of course. The whole team had a long run behind it and we were able to dig a place in Serie A. What could be better than that, Pohjanpalo felt.
Both in the stadium, in the dressing room and the next day in the boat parade, Pohjanpalo’s name was heard. The Finn has become the face of his club in a wonderful way. That’s what Pohjanpalo modestly commented on.
– Great feeling, one of the unforgettable experiences of my career. It’s still hard to understand that next season we will be able to play Serie A.
– However, it was a big disappointment in the wrong round against Spezia, but we were able to stand up at the end of the playoffs, absolutely amazing.
Pohjanpalo was asked if he believes he can do the same in Serie A. Playing will definitely change when the gaming level becomes clearly harder.
Pohjanpalo stated that “everything is still open”. First of all, a glowing head coach Paolo Vanolia has been taken to Turin in media rumors.
Pohjanpalo laughed out loud again when he was asked for insider information about the coaching situation.
– In the same way, I rely on Italian magazines. Of course I wish he would continue. He is a great coach and my playing with him has worked out very well.
– I understand well if he moves to other landscapes. Then I wish you a lot of luck, he has earned it with his work.
Will Pohjanpalo change clubs?
For the same reason, Pohjanpalo emphasized that his situation is still open, because the club season just ended.
– Long contract with Venezia and I will probably continue, but in futs you never know what the future will bring. I haven’t gotten around to thinking about the next season yet.
– Let’s say at least this way that I will most likely play in Serie A next season.
Two amazing seasons in Serie B, a goal streak and promotion to the league have made Pohjanpalo a hot name.
– I am having a great time in Venezia and the previous seasons have gone very well, but in futs things always change quickly. After two seasons have gone like this, it is very automatic that there is definitely interest from other clubs. I have to take my time and see what the right option is.
Gone are the difficult injuries and the Leverkusen years, most of which were spent on loan.
– Venice is an amazing place. What Venice has given me is hard to get anywhere else. The special connection I have with the city and the club also affects the decision.
A unique rising party
Pohjanpalo really is a hot name.
The videos on social media of Venezia’s take-off party were amusing. The other team players jumped wildly in the locker room and sang Pohjanpalo’s name. The Finnish striker sat embarrassed and wondered.
Pohjanpalo also sipped beer in the dressing room wearing a Corno Ducale hat. It is a duke’s hat, such as the rulers (doges) of Venice once wore.
Fans and the Italian media have used the nickname “Il Doge” for Pohjanpalo. The Doges ruled Venice from 697 to 1979.
After the stadium, the team’s promotion celebrations continued with relevant expenses in Venice. On Monday, i.e. the day after the promotion match, the club organized a parade along the canals of the city.
– I spent a couple of days celebrating with the club. It was amazing. The highlight, of course, was when I got to pull the Grand Canal with the whole team on a boat and raise the trophy towards the fans. There really isn’t a better atmosphere, Pohjanpalo said.
The Venetian parade started from Piazzale Roma. Locals joined the company from their own boats. The boat parade ended in San Marco, and the players danced and sang with their fans.
Then the day continued with a party on the island reserved by the club, where the players’ relatives were also present.
Also a city councilor in Venice Simone Venturini noted in X that head coach Vanoli and “Il Doge” Pohjanpalo received wild applause from the supporters during the parade.
The season ends in Huuhkaj
Pohjanpalo and Joronen were not yet involved when Huuhkajat lost to Portugal on Tuesday night in the international match 2–4.
On Friday, the Venezia duo will be in the lineup when Huuhkajat will face another country preparing for the European Championship, Scotland, in Glasgow.
Pohjanpalo smiled when asked how he still managed to go on the national team’s trip to a non-stakes match.
– The Portugal match would have come too quickly, not because of the celebration, but in general there is no point in playing two days after a heavy promotion match.
– The national team is always a big honor. We already agreed in advance that no matter what happens, Jesse and I will come to the second match. It’s great to finish the season in the national team shirt.
Huhkajat meets Scotland in Glasgow on June 7. at 21:45. will show the match on its channels.
The men’s European football championships in Germany will be played from June 14 to July 14. All matches on channels.