Nordic Football News

In: Mohamed Fofana, Toni Huuhka, Jussi Heikkinen, Niki Helenius

Out: Pyry Kärkkäinen, Pekka Kainu, Eetu Sassila

Coach: Ilkka Mäkelä

Claimed playing budget: €440,000

Egan says: Their season could be transformed by the performances of Jari Litmanen, but it is more likely that the creaking star will save his best for Finland’s important qualifiers against Liechtenstein and Russia in June while playing a bit part for his home town club. Fofana will add some steel to the midfield if he stays fit, but Lahti will find it difficult to match last year’s third place.

Juha says: The only major loss is Kärkkäinen. While Lahti will have a hard time trying to bring home medals again, they are not a bad team. The likes of Heikki Haara, Janne Moilanen, Konsta Hietanen and Eero Korte are good players, as well as new signings Fofana and Helenius. Jari Litmanen has also had a good pre-season and is an excellent Veikkausliiga player, and the national team’s recent Wales clash showed that on his day he is a quality player on the European stage too. Expect a higher mid-table finish with a chance of winning another bronze if everything goes right.

Fan’s View: giving us the Lahti perspective is Miko Heikkinen.

1. Realistically, how will your team do?

I think that FC Lahti will do well. The team is full of good players, a mix of experience and youth. Key players are all the same as last year and that will help rest of team.

2. Which teams did you like and dislike most last season?

I liked Inter, Honka and of course FC Lahti because they played entertaining and good football.

I didn´t like HJK because they hardly gave any chances to the young players.

3. What was the best moment of last season?

The best moment was our last game at Finnair Stadium when FC Lahti won HJK 1-0.

4. What was the worst moment of last season?

I don’t think that last year had any worst moments.

5. If your club wasn’t in the football business what other business would it be in?

It would sell sport equipment.

6. Who will win Veikkausliiga and who will go down? (Just the names will do)

Honka will win and KuPS will go down.