The Finnish league final day is set for a tense climax, with HJK and Inter Turku both entering their last matches on 58 points. HJK assistant coach Erkka Lehtola spoke to John Bennett about the club’s approach to the decisive weekend, the retirement of Teemu Pukki, and the possibility of a sauna celebration if his side wins.
Level on points at the top
HJK and Inter Turku are tied at the summit ahead of the final round, making the last weekend of the season a direct fight for the title. Lehtola outlined how HJK are preparing for the match, with the coaching staff focused on managing the occasion and ensuring the players are ready for what could be a defining 90 minutes.
The stakes are clear: both clubs know that their final result will determine the outcome of the championship race. Lehtola’s side have been chasing the title after missing out in each of the previous two seasons, and the assistant coach acknowledged how much the club have been hurt by those near misses.
Teemu Pukki's farewell
The final weekend will also mark the end of Teemu Pukki’s playing career. The former Norwich and Celtic striker is retiring, and Lehtola discussed just how popular Pukki is in Finland. His farewell adds an emotional dimension to the closing round, with the striker’s standing in the Finnish game widely recognised.
Pukki’s final match will take place on the same weekend that the title is decided, giving Finnish football supporters two major storylines to follow.
Lehtola's Champions League memories
Lehtola, who played in the Champions League for HJK, recalled facing Michael Ballack and Ruud van Nistelrooy during his playing days. Those experiences give him a useful perspective as he helps prepare HJK for a high-pressure finale.
He also discussed the standard of football in Finland, offering his view on the domestic game and where it stands.
Commentary and celebration
Alongside his coaching role, Lehtola works as a football commentator and pundit. He spoke about that side of his career and how it fits alongside his responsibilities at HJK.
When asked about how the team might mark a victory, Lehtola suggested that a sauna could feature in the celebrations if HJK come out on top. The remark underlined the relaxed, Finnish flavour of the occasion, even as the stakes remain high on the pitch.
Ronaldo's retirement and final words
The conversation also touched on Cristiano Ronaldo’s retirement, with Lehtola sharing his thoughts on that subject. He closed with words of encouragement for his team ahead of the final match, with the focus firmly on the job at hand.
With HJK and Inter Turku level on points, the Finnish league final day promises to deliver a dramatic conclusion, made all the more memorable by Pukki’s farewell and the possibility of a title celebration in the sauna.
