You won the UEFA Europa Cup last season. What did that experience bring to the team as you start a new European campaign?
"It helps us a lot. Some players had already experienced these kinds of matches, but many others hadn't. Going through it allows them to progress, and it benefits the whole team to get used to this level of competition."
During that run, you faced AC Milan in two very tight matches, where there was little to separate the teams. What was decisive in winning 1-0?
"We didn't really focus on that. Both teams had new players. But I think the key was getting a good result at home, taking the lead, and not getting stressed afterwards. We knew exactly what we needed to do to go through, and we stuck to that plan. As the second match went on, I felt they were more stressed than we were. I think that's what made the difference."
"I'd say it's a 50-50 match"
You might be favourites for this first match, but are you wary of a tough game since it's Inter's very first appearance in this competition?
"We're mainly just really excited to play this match. We played them twice last season and both times were very close. They've started their season well and have signed some good players. I'd say it's a 50-50 match, and playing away is probably an advantage for them. But we're very excited, and we'll do everything we can to win."
You're also leading your league. The start of this competition comes at a crucial point in the calendar, with matches coming up against teams like Chelsea at the end of the group stage. How do you plan to manage these next two months between the league and the Champions League?
"It will be a challenge, but we've already been in this situation, whether at the start of the season in the Europa Cup or in our previous Champions League campaigns. For us, that's just part of a season with lots of matches: you just have to stay as fit as possible. I don't think we'll train as intensely between games. And playing these kinds of matches is exactly why we're footballers: to play on the biggest stage. It's a challenge, but an exciting one."
How are you managing Hacken's attacking balance after the departures of Monica Jusu Bah and Felicia Schroder this summer? As an attacking player, have you had to build new connections with other teammates?
"Yes, of course. With Monica and Felicia, we had real chemistry that we've lost. But I think the club did a good job bringing in new players. Maja Bodin, for example, joined and has already scored seven goals in just a few matches. That helps us a lot. After that, you have to get to know each other, train together, and talk about different game situations. Maja is a very smart player, and I feel like we've already started to understand each other well on the pitch. I know how she wants the ball, how she moves. I think it will only get better."
"It will let me talk to my teammates about it"
You've already played your eighteenth league match, while Inter hasn't started their league season yet, only a cup. Is it an advantage for you to already be in full competitive rhythm, with established chemistry between players?
"I hope so. At the start of the season, it always takes a few matches to really get going. But with matches like these, given their importance, motivation isn't an issue. Maybe they don't have the same chemistry between players yet. It's good that you mention it, it will let me talk to my teammates about it."
Is it comparable to last season in the Europa Cup, when you had already played a lot of league matches compared to your Italian opponents?
"Honestly, I don't know. We're focused on our own season and don't pay too much attention to how many matches the others have played."
"It's the biggest stage you can play on"
How exciting is it for Hacken and for the city of Gothenburg to play in a tournament like the Champions League?
"We're really excited. It's the biggest stage you can play on, and facing such big teams is a huge motivation. I feel like the whole group is really enthusiastic about it."
How does Hacken, who dominates the Swedish league, handle having to face giants like Inter, Real Madrid, Barcelona, or Chelsea? Is it difficult to be the best team at home and then have to adapt to these kinds of opponents?
"It can be a challenge, but the group and the coaching staff are good at taking things one match at a time. Like I said, these are matches played on the biggest stage, and we always give our best. I don't think it's hard to get motivated or to adapt to a deep block instead of having more of the ball. I think we're pretty good at that."