Above: Katriina Talaslahti poses. Image: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.
by Jean-Pierre Thiesset
The Finland squad was in Milan, Italia, in training camp to prepare their next 2 matches in Women’s Nation League, League B – Group 3: Round 3, Friday April 4th away from home versus Belarus at Stadio Silvio Piola, Novana, Italy; Round 4, Tuesday April 8, 2025 at home versus Hungary at Tammelan Stadium, Tampere, Finland.
Last time Katriina Talaslahti was called into the Finland squad was in April, 2024 for a game at home in Helsinki against Italy for Women’s Euro 2025 qualifiers. Although she was on the match sheet, she did not play.
What has been your reaction when you learnt that you were selected for these 2 games?
“I am super happy after a long time to come back with the Finland National team. I think it is a good timing for me because I feel our team Dijon does very well in Arkema Première Ligue and it gives me also like a good spot to come back. So, of course I am happy, you know (laugh), and I think it is a good timing for both side, for me and for the National team too. I think that now Finland staff follows me more that before.”
Do you think you will play one of the two games?
“I hope, I really hope, it is the coach decision to who will be chosen. I will be myself in this camp and I will show what I have been doing in my club training. Yes of course my goal is to play so we will see.”
Do you think you are ready to be the #1 goalkeeper for Finland?
“Yes, of course, I would be more than honored to be number 1. However, I must show to the staff how I perform now and the progress I made since last year. The first training will be more about adaptation because I have not seen the girls for a long time and also for the goalkeeper coach with the two others goalkeepers. When the days go by, I will be more familiar with team and I will adapt (laugh). We are professional players and the adaptation should be quick.”
A word for your fans in France and in Finland?
“With Dijon with try our best this season and we have good results and I would like to thank the fans for being behind us and supporting us every day. We will try to have the best preparation for Women’s Euro 2025 and it will be an amazing summer for everybody and for Women’s Football and I hope all the fans are ready for good matches. We hope that there will be a lot of Finnish fans supporting our National team.”
Thanks to Eveliina Parikka, Media Officer, Helmarit, Finland Women’s A National Team for organizing the interview.
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