Time for another interview, this time my friend Henry Hakamäki has joined in again by speaking to HJK's Kaisa Collin, who also plays for Finland's U19 girls side. Thanks again to both.
What first got you interested in football? What made you decide to become a professional?
I got interested in football already in kindergarten. I liked to score goals and humiliate opponents with fancy skills... The only thing that has ever really interested me is football. School or work does not make me happy, football makes me happy and I want to be happy.
Kaisa (#10) in international action - photo via Tapio Tuomela
Who is the player that you've always wanted to be like? Who was the player you loved watching the most? And who is the best player you've ever played with or against?
I've always wanted to be like Zlatan. Of course I love to watch Zlatan, but also Ronaldinho is one of my favourites to watch. The best player who I have ever played with is Minna Meriluoto. Minna is a great leader, an unbelievable goalkeeper and also a good person who really cares about her team.
How does playing in Finland specifically affect how you play the sport? What would you like to be different?
In Finland, our season is from April to October because of the weather. Women's football is not very appreciated so we don't have a lot of audience in our games. I would change the women’s season from summer to winter to get more respect for women's football and to get more fans to come! It would also be nice if women in Finland could get more money for playing football.
What's the best advice you have for your career, and who gave it?
Maybe when my good friend, and also a very good footballer, Olga Ahtinen, said to me "Don't ever change your personality, because that is your strength in football".
What part of your personality would be your biggest strength for football?
I’d probably say my self-confidence.
What does it feel like to represent Finland for football? How important is it for you to represent the country?
It's great to represent Finland in football, I am really proud to be part of the youth national team. The first time I played for the youth national team, it was exciting and also great because I had so many good players around me. Playing for the national team is very important for me. This spring, we have qualifiers for the U19 European Championships in Holland, and that has been one of my biggest goals for two years. Some day I also want to play for the senior women's national team.
How is playing for Finland different than playing for your club?
In the club, we work everyday together, but in the national team we do not have a lot of days together. National team is maybe more professional than club.
What's your goal for Euros coming up, personally, and what is the goal for the team?
Well, the team goal is of course to win qualifiers and then have success in the finals. My personal goal is to help the team on the field and I want to be one of the best goalscorers at the Euros.
Is there any part of your game that you want to improve during the Euros?
During the winter, I have worked a lot on my physicality, and I hope that in the Euros I am physically at the international level.
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Thanks again to Henry and to Kaisa, as always it's very much appreciated.
