HJK Helsinki coach Joonas Rantanen has warned Motherwell that Teemu Pukki remains a potent threat despite being 36 years old. The former Celtic striker is being managed carefully to ensure he can produce moments of magic in the Conference League qualifier.
Pukki's role managed carefully
Rantanen believes the legendary Finnish international could play a big part over the two legs against Motherwell. He stated: “Teemu can still score goals. That's his best thing and he can still do it.”
“It always goes down to a bit of a game plan, what kind of a game we expect and how we're going to use Teemu and how much he can play. We're not looking to use him twice a week, 90 minutes. We’re trying to get the best out of him and in the right moments to play.”
“Sometimes he's in the starting 11, sometimes coming in from the bench but everybody knows him here and how good he is. I don't know how long he will play but I hope that we can still enjoy his performance.”
Experience key for young squad
Rantanen also highlighted the importance of experienced players like Pukki and Alex Ring in guiding the younger members of the squad. He said: “It's important to have those players in the locker room but on the field, who can lead the team on the field, especially now with Alex (Ring) as a midfield player. It's very important. We have lots of young players and I think they can—Teemu, Alex, some others—they can also share their knowledge and experience from being abroad.”
Motherwell slight favourites
Rantanen acknowledged that Motherwell have a slight edge going into the qualifiers. He answered: “Slightly! Yes, it's a massive challenge for us. We managed to play quite well against Coleraine, especially at home. We played very well, so we can have similar things from that home game tomorrow—the same kind of identity, same kind of spirit will be good for us.”
“In the domestic league, even though we haven't been that successful this season, we're still always the favourites. Now we should use the bit of the underdog mentality in a right way for these games and take that right kind of underdog mentality, especially on Thursday. Still, we want to be here controlling the game with the ball.”
Scouting the new-look Motherwell
Getting footage of Alfred Johansson’s new-look Motherwell side has been challenging. Rantanen confirmed: “It's been a bit like that but I think we have a good picture and understanding about the team, the players and the identity. Of course, they made some changes. If we look at the second qualification round and the first league game, there were some changes in the structure and in the play. That leaves a bit of a question on how will they come here, which players are on the field, how will they organise the team? But I believe still that we have a good picture.”
HJK have identified Motherwell’s attacking pace as a key threat. Rantanen acknowledged: “We've scouted the opponent like always and we know what's coming and it will be a big challenge for us. We play against a good team. They play nice football, good in possession, but on the other hand, lots of speed in their team. Once they beat the first pressing line, they go right away fast in behind so defensively it will be a massive challenge for us. On the other hand, I think we play at home. We want to be a ball-possession team as well so that's what we're trying to do. We want to have control of the game with the ball as much as we can but a good, tough challenge for us.”
Prize of Freiburg awaits
The winners will face Freiburg in the play-off round. Rantanen stated: “Focus on this one, but that's true, that's how it is. These games are so nice. I think it's very good for us. We play in the middle of the season so we have a good rhythm already in the team. We know how we want to play. I think we should at the same time compete, try to win but also enjoy these games.”
“It's also a platform for the players, especially for the young players to show themselves. There's always someone watching these games as well so we have lots of players who are still looking to take the next step in their career. It's about the club and the team to be successful, but also for the individuals, it's a good platform to show.”
