The soccer team playing in the Veikkausliiga gets a new head coach. Joni Lehtonen, who was also the team’s head coach in the final season, continues in the coaching group.
Ilves of Tampere, who play in the Veikkausliiga football league, have named their new head coach Joonas Rantanen. Rantanen is currently the head coach of IF Gnistan, which plays in the First Division.
The head coach’s contract lasts for the seasons 2024 and 2025. The contract also has an option for one additional year.
Head coach pesti is the first of Joonas Rantanen’s career in the Veikkausliiga. In the women’s main series in the National League, he has led HJK to the championship as head coach.
In addition to Rantanen, the coaching staff of Ilves next season includes a three-year extension contract John Lehtonen, Pasi Tuuttiphysical trainer Heli Rekimies and goalkeeper coach Marko Pirilä.
Lehtonen became the head coach of Ilves this summer, after having coached the team since the beginning of the season Toni Kallion the contract was terminated at the beginning of August. Ilves, which was in trouble in the early season, won the Finnish Cup, thus got a place in the European games and kept its place in the Veikkausliiga without qualifying matches.
Next season, Ilves will be able to play at their renovated home stadium in Tammela.