LONDON. Star-studded Chelsea are clear favourites.
But Häcken is already showing good confidence at Stamford Bridge.
– We must not show too much respect, says Rosa Kafaji.
Chelsea went on a knock against another Swedish team last weekend, Jonas Eidevall’s Arsenal. It is clear that the 1-4 loss in the league has affected the reigning league champions ahead of Thursday night’s Champions League group stage meeting.
– It wasn’t good enough for Chelsea, says Sam Kerr and talks about there being a desire for revenge in the team.
Emma Hayes has scouted Häcken well.
– They are very determined, they take advantage of their chances, especially on conversions. You have to be on, especially in fixed situations. They are very good at throwing. We have prepared as well as we could. We don’t take anyone lightly, says the coach.
However, the fact that Chelsea are overwhelming favorites cannot be ignored. Although Häcken’s coach Mak Lind believes that the chance is definitely there.
– We come here with a certain type of cockiness. If you look at the odds, it is 18 times the money that we pick a three-pointer. But we are here to shake up Chelsea and pick up all the points, A bit cocky but also humble in the background, I hope, says Lind.
full screenRosa Kafaji Photo: Michael Erichsen / Bildbyrån
Paying tribute to Rytting Kaneryd
Chelsea has goalkeeper Zecira Musovic and Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, who left Häcken for the London club last year.
Recently, Rytting Kaneryd has received a lot of trust from coach Hayes and so far has two goals and four assists this season.
– It took her twelve months to get into it. It wasn’t about her not making an effort or lacking will, but rather about improving her decision-making and finishing, says Hayes to Sportbladet.
– Building that confidence to compete in a team like ours took a while, but she’s been more consistent. She agrees with me that there is another level, but I think she has been much more of a contributor this year and scored last weekend. In addition, she is a very self-aware and determined individual who wants to improve. We are very pleased with her development.
How far do you think she can go?
– There is never a ceiling, not for anyone. If you want to play in a top club, you have to continue to develop.
“Must not show too much respect”
Häcken’s Rosa Kafaji agrees with Hayes’ praise of the Swedish winger.
– She is very fast. Good at driving the ball forward in the lane, says Kafaji.
– But we also have many good players in the squad. We have a good game plan and will take care of ourselves. We must not show too much respect, interjects Kafaji.
Coach Mak Lind is on the same track. He believes that his players are intelligent and adept at adapting, regardless of the opposition.
– I am impressed by how flexible the players have been in what we do, he says.
– Then, as Rosa is into, we have talented players. We build a way of working that highlights the strong qualities of our players. Then there is also a hunger to play the big matches, to face Paris and Real Madrid out in Europe. Compete with the best.
Hecken currently leads the group on six points, two more than runners-up Chelsea.
2023-12-14 13:00:47
#shake #Chelsea
