FC Hegelmann will begin its UEFA Conference League qualifying campaign on Thursday, with the first-leg clash against Estonian side Paide Linnameeskond taking place on 9 July at 19:00 at Raudondvaris Stadium. The return leg will be played a week later, on 16 July, in Estonia.
Ahead of the European opener, FC Hegelmann head coach Mikel Aramburu Erneta shared his thoughts on the importance of the occasion, the challenge posed by Paide, his team’s mindset, and the role supporters can play.
On what it means for the club to compete in the Conference League qualifiers
“I think this is a very important moment in our season. We’re all looking forward to tomorrow’s match and we’re fully focused on it. It’s an important game for the team because we have the opportunity to show that we can compete at the European level. Of course, it’s also a significant occasion for the entire club.”
On the importance of the first leg at home
“The first match is extremely important. We’re playing at home, so tomorrow’s result could have a big impact before we travel to Estonia. A good result wouldn’t guarantee anything, but it would certainly put us in a strong position ahead of the second leg.”
On what to expect from Paide
“We’ve analysed their game. They’re a very well-organised team. In attack, they usually play in a 4-3-3 formation and they’re capable of playing attractive football. Either way, we know we’re facing a very tough opponent tomorrow.”
On the team’s emotions ahead of the European campaign
“Some of our players have more experience at this level, while others have less. But the best way to describe how we feel is anticipation and positive excitement. There may be a few nerves as well, but everyone in the squad is looking forward to tomorrow’s match.”
On whether Europe offers the chance to show Hegelmann’s best version
“As you mentioned, it’s been a difficult season so far. Our opponents have caused us a lot of problems, and we haven’t always achieved the results or victories we wanted. But tomorrow is a new opportunity, against a different opponent and in a different competition. I believe we can beat them because we’ve shown in both training and matches that we’re capable of playing good football, creating chances, and defending well. Hopefully tomorrow will be the day we put all of that together on the pitch.”
A message to the blue-and-white supporters
“I’d like to invite all of our supporters to come to Raudondvaris Stadium tomorrow. I believe they’ll witness an exciting match. Kick-off is at 19:00 as FC Hegelmann take on Paide. Don’t miss it.”
Source: https://fchegelmann.com/fc-hegelmann-vyr-trenerio-mikelio-aramburu-ernetos-spaudos-konferencija/
