Tindell for Queenballers: ‘We do miss Falk — but it’s part of football’

BK Häcken secured a convincing 3:0 win in the first leg of the UEFA Women’s Europa Cup semi-final and head into the home return leg with a comfortable advantage. Vice-captain Tabby Tindell spoke to Queenballers about how the team is feeling ahead of the second leg and highlighted the players they will be relying on the most.

Häcken are enjoying something of a golden period. Not only are they in the semi-finals of the UEFA Women’s Europa Cup, but they also opened their Damallsvenskan title defence — which kicked off on Saturday, March 28 — with a win. Leading the charge is last season’s standout player Felicia Schröder, whom the club will once again look to in the return leg at home against Eintracht Frankfurt.

While Germany’s Frauen-Bundesliga runs from September to May, the Swedish league operates on a March-to-November calendar. According to vice-captain Tabby Tindell, that difference plays into Häcken’s hands.

“Even though the league has only just started, we’ve had several important matches in the Swedish Cup, including high-pressure situations. That’s helped us grow as a team, especially as a relatively new group, and it’s given us valuable minutes and match fitness. Players want to compete in these kinds of games — that’s what we prepare and work hard for. So overall, I see it as a clear benefit for us to have had this kind of schedule early in the season,” Tindell told Queenballers.

Future in young hands

Like Hammarby — who are battling Sparta Prague for a place in the final — Häcken also saw several key players depart for England over the winter, including goalkeeper Jennifer Falk, who has joined Liverpool on loan. While the move is temporary, the experience of the Sweden international is undoubtedly missed.

“She was a great leader and had been at the club for such a long time, so it was a bittersweet feeling to see her leave. Of course, you always want your teammates and friends to challenge themselves, try new leagues, and push their careers forward. At the same time, we do miss her — her leadership, her experience, and her calmness on the pitch. But I think this is also a natural part of football,” Tindell said of Falk, who also wore the captain’s armband at Häcken.

Despite her absence, however, the club still boasts a number of exciting young talents to rely on. Alongside Schröder, players like Monica Jusu Bah — who recently impressed at international level against Italy and Serbia — and Lisa Löwing are among those stepping up.