UWEC: Tabby Tindell of BK Häcken previews return clash against Eintracht Frankfurt | OneFootball

Tabby Tindell and BK Häcken are ready for their return clash against Eintracht Frankfurt in the UEFA Women’s Europa Cup. The Swedish side are 3-0 up after their first leg victory in the semi-finals last week.

Ahead of their return home fixture this Thursday, the forward spoke to the media and stresses that they ‘expect’ immediate high intensity from the German side as they chase a place in the final.

Häcken have impressed so far in the inaugural year of the UWEC, and their journey to the semi-finals has been nothing short of spectacular.

In the quarter-finals, they dominated Icelandic side, Breidablik with an aggregate score of 11-1. Having just started their league campaign, Häcken got off to a strong start in their first league outing with a 3-2 victory against Brommapojkarna.

Expecting quick intensity from Frankfurt

Last time out in the UWEC, the Swedish side stunned Frankfurt with two late goals to strengthen their lead heading into the second leg.

Alva Selerud opened the scoring last week in the 16th minute and are hoping to prevent Frankfurt from following suit tonight.

“I think they’re going to [come out of the blocks quick], not only because they need to fight and score goals, but also just because that’s the kind of team they are,” said Tindell.

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“They’re a really high-performing team, aggressive, strong… so we’re expecting them to come out with a lot of intensity, a lot of press.”

The 30-year-old admits it is in their hands and insists they must ‘learn their lessons’ from last week’s performance to confirm their place in the final.

For fans who believe Häcken already have one foot in the final, Tindell admits she has been in the game long enough to know that ‘anything can happen’.

Winning the UEFA Women’s Europa Cup

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Being so close to reaching the final is creating hope around the dressing room.

“Here at Häcken, we all have a very strong winning mentality,” Tindell said. “We want to bring trophies, we want to bring titles to the club, so that is something that we’re always chasing. But we try to keep the focus off of the actual trophy and more of just the day-to-day practice, prepare, and if we do all of that right then all of that will come to us in the end.”

The versatile American is relishing the opportunity to show the quality of Swedish football on the European stage. She acknowledged there are several Swedish sides who compete for spots in the UEFA Women’s Champions League but one always misses out, so the introduction of this tournament was welcomed.

“It gives all of the clubs so much more exposure to other playing styles, to other players, so I think that will only help, like, drive the level of women’s football in the long term.

“After so many years of playing the leagues and playing the same teams, it’s nice to get a fresh opponent, a fresh tournament, something a little bit more exciting, and see the support come out for that.”

Wearing the armband

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Tindell has captained the side on multiple occasions this season which is something she ‘enjoys a lot’. Describing herself as a ‘vocal’ captain, she is appreciating the chance to help the younger players grow their games.

“I’m one of the older players on the team, have a lot of experience, so it’s nice to step in and use that to help our younger players and just help the team in general.”

If Häcken are capable of defending their advantage, they will set up a final against either Sparta Praha or fellow Swedish side Hammarby, who reigned victorious in their first semi-final with a 3-2 victory in a thrilling encounter.

For viewers at home, you can watch every match of the UEFA Women’s Champions League, live on Disney+ as part of existing customer subscriptions.

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