Hammarby Women's Team Faces Goalkeeper Crisis Ahead of Champions League Clash
Hammarby women's football team faces a goalkeeper crisis as they prepare for a crucial Champions League match against Manchester United.
- • Hammarby women's team faces a goalkeeper crisis with national team goalkeepers unavailable.
- • Melina Loeck has been signed on loan to fill the gap.
- • The team won a recent qualifying match 5-4 against Metalist Charkiv.
- • Hammarby will challenge Manchester United in the next round of Champions League qualifying.
Key details
Hammarby women's football team is gearing up for the next round of the Champions League qualifying against Manchester United, but they are facing a significant goalkeeper crisis. Both of their primary goalkeepers, Anna Tamminen and Emma Holmgren, are unavailable, prompting the team to sign German goalkeeper Melina Loeck on loan from Brighton. Tamminen is recovering from finger surgery and may miss the entire autumn, while Holmgren is out due to pregnancy.
Melina Loeck, 25, aims to step up during this crucial period. "I hope that I can help to steer the team with the experiences I've gained in England," she stated. Loeck made her debut during a thrilling 5-4 victory against Metalist Charkiv, where she demonstrated promise despite conceding four goals. Hammarby won that match with a last-minute goal from Cathinka Tandberg. However, with Manchester United's formidable squad—which finished third in the English league last season—the upcoming match represents a considerable step up in competition.
Head coach Martin Sjögren commented on the match's heightened expectations compared to their last game, and approximately 4,000 tickets have already been sold for the encounter at 3 Arena in Stockholm. "When I experienced [the fans] for the first time, I got goosebumps," said Loeck about playing in front of Hammarby’s passionate supporters. The upcoming match is critical, as the winner will advance to the next playoff stage of the Champions League.