Football Season Guide

HJK just about managed to defend their title in 2022. They secured the trophy only with a game to spare and in the end finished only a point above KuPS. Slow start to the season was made but come the summer the results improved. HJK showed their vast experience and won lots of close games 1:0, which in the end proved just about enough. As is his style coach Koskela, in charge since 2019, rotated his big squad almost every weekend. No player started more than 70% of the games and over 30 field players were used as starters during the 2022 campaign. Koskela is firm believer in no-regular starters philosophy, so he keeps refreshing his line-up almost constantly. Undoubtedly this will be his approach in 2023 too, with HJK having the depth to rotate often and still have a very strong XI on the pitch. Lots of players left in the winter, among the most important ones goalkeeper Hazard, centre-back Hoskonen, playmaker Martic and winger Terho. Added pieces for all those positions though and HJK look as stuffed as ever with talent. Goalkeepers Ost and Iliev will fight for the starting role. Aggressive left-back Ollila, winger Stjopin and Greek box-to-box midfielder Kanellopoulos should be used often too. Also, after a breakthrough season on loan at Ilves young striker Merulito is back and expected to become part of the rotation. HJK have options for every position on the pitch, the depth remains impressive, and the defending champions will certainly be among the contenders again.