Paulus Arajuuri, who excelled in Huuhkaj, will become the manager of HJK ​​- the top player promises to play for many more years

Helsinki Football Club acquired a central defender who excelled in Huuhkaj for their back lines Paulus Arajuuren. He appeared in front of the media on Monday in Helsinki.

The top player, who last played in the main league team of Cyprus in May, is immediately eligible for representation, but he is still looking for his best tone on the training ground.

– Finding a soccer club takes a while. I’m in good shape, so hopefully I’ll be fit to play quickly, says Arajuuri.

Cypriot club Anorthosis Famagusta stayed when Arajuuri joined HJK on a free transfer. According to him, the contract lasting until the end of the year leaves both the club and the player with a risk of movement. The agreement was mutual.

In any case, Arajuuri plans to continue his playing career even after the turn of the year.

– I admit that sometimes I think about the future after my playing career. I believe that I will play for quite a few years before I think about other things.

HJK’s head coach Toni Koskelan According to Arajuuri, last week in training, he played the leader’s elbow.

– Above all, leadership is expected from “Paukku”. His presence and control of the field were visible in the exercises. He is a positive and outgoing player who will certainly be a good addition for us, Koskela describes.

Arajuuri last played in the domestic main league 13 years ago in the ranks of IFK Mariehamn. He says that he watched the Veikkausliiga games with interest whenever he could. Learning something new in a new team brings motivation.

– I think the Veikkausliiga is a tough series. As a humble person, I will start studying HJK’s way of playing, and I will try to play with my own strengths.

The strengths of the almost two-meter top player are passing breaks, fighting situations and special situations at both ends of the field. Contract offers came from, for example, Greece, Arajuuri says.

– I have already gained a lot from football. At this point in my career, I’m thinking about what could ignite. HJK was what ignited. I believe that I can bring something to this team with my experience.

Last season, Arajuure’s team was one point away from the medal positions in the main series. In the last round, Anorthosis received a penalty kick at the end of the match, which was saved by the opponent’s goalkeeper – so close was the silver medal.

According to his own calculations, Arajuuri played 42 matches in the previous season, so a short break could have refreshed him. Anorthosis played in the group stage of the Conference League.

– That way “Pauklu” has experience of what it takes to get there. We are also aiming for a place in the group stage of the European leagues this year, says head coach Koskela.

HJK has played the most this season with a grouping of three central defenders. According to the head coach, the team currently has four healthy players.

– An additional player was needed quickly. In addition, we got a player who can bring added value immediately.

Arajuuri, who broke into the starting line-up of the Finnish men’s national football team seven years ago, played five clean sheets in eight matches in the 2019 European Championship qualifiers. In the EC final tournament, he played in all three matches.

– I think I got the most out of myself in the Finnish national team, and this (HJK) is the closest to that feeling. Team spirit and the people around have a lot to do with it.

Arajuuri was seen in the national team for the last time on the field in the World Cup qualifier against Bosnia-Herzegovina in November 2021. It was followed by a stylish farewell at the Olympic Stadium after the match against France.

– I have to admit that it’s a bit heartbreaking when I’m not there anymore. It was the right decision, I didn’t have enough energy to play those matches on the sidelines.

– He coached me when I was 16 years old. I owe it to him that I am a professional soccer player after all. It feels like this is a homecoming.

HJK will face the Czech Viktoria Plzen at home on Wednesday, July 20, in the second qualifying round of the Champions League. The team progressed in the Champions League in the 2011–2012 season until the playoff stage. Last season, Plzen won the main league of their country.

– A tough opponent. A really strong, hard-working and physically strong team. A good challenge for us in the way that we have to succeed really well in order to fight for the next two places, head coach Koskela estimates.

Arajuuri says he doesn’t think he will be on the field on Wednesday.

– We still have to talk about it with the coach. The risk of injury is also high if you start playing real games too early.

The second leg is on Tuesday next week in the Czech Republic.

HJK’s second recent acquisition Malik Abubakari managed to score in his opening match against Vaasa Palloseura on Saturday. The loan player from Malmö says he missed the Swedish club’s Champions League match because he knew he was joining HJK.

– The opening goal definitely felt good. We haven’t scored terribly, and certainly not enough goals. It’s really good that we got Malik on the field right away and a goal for him – it promises positive things going forward, head coach Koskela said.