Sanni Franssi has started the year in the Spanish women’s La Liga with speed. The Finnish striker has scored six times in the five matches he has played.
Forward of the Finnish women’s national football team San Francisco has found a great mood on the Spanish fields. Franssi was responsible for both of his team’s goals in Sunday’s local match, as Real Sociedad defeated Eibar 2–0.
Before January San Francisco had hit only once in the Spanish league this season.
Now there are six hits in the pile. Franssi has played five matches this year, in which he has scored a total of six goals.
You have to pick up the phone and ask: where does such a thing come from?
– I guess there aren’t any big secrets. I’ve been working well, and at Christmas there was of course a small break, during which you could rest and gather strength. It seems to have taken off, Franssi begins.
A natural explanation can also be found in the role change.
– After Christmas, I have mainly played as a striker, while the whole autumn was spent more in attacking midfield. It’s a little closer to the finish line now, so that helps too.
Even though the network did not swing at the desired pace in the fall, Franssi did not take pressure from the situation.
– Otherwise, I played well and created a lot of goals and chances. Of course, the pressure to score is different in the midfield than in the forward position. I am also satisfied with my autumn season, Franssi assures.
– But by nature and soul I am an attacker, so of course the goals always taste good!
Although Franssi has been producing goals from the assembly line this year, not the head coach Natalia Arroyo have not yet promised Franssi the forward position for the rest of the season.
– I think the situation is alive. I have been satisfied that I have been able to play really big minutes and the coach has faith in me. Sometimes it means that you play a slightly different position and sometimes you get to play a bit more of your own striker position.
Real Sociedad is currently seventh in the league table. According to Franssi, the team’s goal is to reach the top five teams.
– The fall season did not go so well in terms of results that we would have been where we want to be. It’s been a longer period now that we haven’t lost a game. I hope we can keep the good momentum going.
Glove to the transfer rumors
Franssi’s performances were also satisfied outside of Spain. The English media, including the BBC, rumored Frans to England, where it was written that Super League club Brighton was among others after him.
Franssi assures that he has had no desire to leave San Sebastian.
– Yes, there always seems to be those rumors… It has been quite clear to me that I will play the rest of the season here. However, this is an important team and club for me. I’ve had a good time here, and it wasn’t really anything concrete for me at that point, Franssi acknowledges.
Helmarit will next play in February in the Pinatar cup, where it will prepare for the EC qualifiers starting in April.
In the national team, Franssi has so far scored five goals.
How can the strong momentum be maintained for April?
– Probably because we try to live in the moment and enjoy good mood and fitness!