Hammarby Exits Champions League, Shifts Focus to New European Cup

Hammarby's quest for Champions League glory ended in disappointment as the team fell to Manchester United 1-0 in the qualification final, held recently. The only goal of the match was scored by Elisabeth Terland in the 61st minute, leading to Hammarby's exit from the prestigious tournament. Following this defeat, the team is now channeling its energy toward the newly established European Cup, set to commence soon.

Coach Martin Sjögren expressed his feelings on the loss, highlighting the mixed emotions of disappointment for not qualifying, but acknowledging the potential intrigues of the new tournament format. He stated, "It’s clear that it is a disappointment in itself," yet remained optimistic about the new European Cup, emphasizing its importance for the growth of women's football.

Player reactions echoed the sentiments of their coach. Ellen Wangerheim articulated her disappointment, noting, "Det känns ganska tomt, dels att vi inte ger tre poäng till alla som är här och kollar," which translates to feeling empty for not securing points for the fans. Despite this, she highlighted the team's promising performance during the match against United, indicating their competitive spirit even in defeat.

Players like Sofia Reidy and Alice Carlsson shared their thoughts on the upcoming European Cup, with Reidy expressing confusion about the tournament structure but acknowledging their eagerness to compete again, saying, "I have so little knowledge about this, but I know we will play some European match in a few weeks." Alice Carlsson, despite the uncertainties, remained hopeful, stating, "If I stick out my neck, I think we have great chances to go far in it."

Looking ahead, the new European Cup will feature double matches starting in October. Sjögren hinted at a bright future for women's football in Europe with increased funding and more teams joining competitions, setting a hopeful tone for Hammarby as they prepare for this new chapter.