You won 3-0 in the first leg in Germany. Is it hard to stay focused for the return match with such a big lead, especially now that you're playing at home?
Tabby Tindell: "I think our focus has been excellent. We know the job is far from finished. In sport, we have enough experience to know that anything can happen. We have to keep in mind that nothing is decided yet. We'll need to work hard throughout the match. Being at home, in front of our fans and on our own pitch, is an advantage that we'll use to help us stay focused and well prepared."
Do you expect Frankfurt to be very aggressive in the second leg? How do you handle that, especially as captain?
"Yes, I'm sure of it. Not just because they have to fight to score goals, but also because that's their style of play. They're a top-level team, aggressive and physical. We expect them to start with a lot of intensity and heavy pressing. It's up to us to learn from the first leg and see what we can improve, both tactically and technically, so we're not caught off guard by their tempo."
You've worn the captain's armband several times during this competition. Is it a role you enjoy, and how would you describe your leadership style?
"Yes, it's something I really enjoy. As one of the older players in the team, I have quite a bit of experience, so it's nice to use that to guide the younger players and help the team overall. I'd say I'm a very vocal captain. I talk a lot, and you can often hear my voice on the pitch. That's one of my strengths: I make it clear what I want and what I think, so we're all on the same page."
You seem to be the favourites. What would it mean to you to win this new trophy and be the first to lift the Europa Cup?
"It would be special, of course, since it's the first edition of this tournament. Here at BK Hacken, we have a very strong winning culture. We want to bring trophies and titles back to the club - that's our constant goal. It's our long-term objective, and we talk about it often, but day to day, we try not to focus too much on the trophy itself. We concentrate on today's training, on preparing for the next match. If we do things right, the reward will come at the end."
What does it say about Swedish women's football to have two clubs in the semi-finals?
"I'm incredibly proud. It shows the quality of the clubs and players here in Sweden. There are always two or three Swedish clubs fighting for Champions League spots, sometimes through tough qualifying rounds, but continuing to show our level in another tournament like the Europa Cup is really exciting for the country."
Is it an advantage or a disadvantage that your league has just started again, while the Bundesliga has been running for a long time?
"I think it's an advantage for us. We've played a lot of matches recently. Even though the league just started this weekend, we've played in the Swedish Cup, which gave us high-stakes, high-pressure games. That helps us grow as a team and learn to play together. Since we have a fairly new group, it allows everyone to get minutes and reach good fitness levels. We work hard to have a full schedule right from the start of the season, so I only see positives in that."
Your run has been impressive, but do you miss the leadership and experience of Jennifer Falk (on loan to Liverpool), despite the strong performances from your young talents and current goalkeeper?
"Absolutely. Jennifer was a great leader and had been at the club for so long. Her departure was bittersweet. You always want to see your friends try new leagues and progress, but it's true that we miss her leadership, experience, and calmness on the pitch.
"But that's the natural evolution of a team. It's really exciting to see our young talents step up, bring more than just their skills, and become leaders in their own way. Even after Falk left, we still have a lot of experience with players like Aivi Luik, Stine (Sandbech), and myself. It's a great mix of experienced players guiding the group and ambitious young players who are just as hungry for success.
What's the main difference between this new competition and the Champions League matches you've played in before?
"That's a great question. Since it's such a new tournament, we're still finding our feet. But the chance to play in Europe against teams from different countries at this level is fantastic. Even after missing out on the Champions League last year, it gives clubs exposure to other styles of play, which will help women's football grow in the long run. And it's another opportunity to win a trophy, which is a huge motivation."
Do you feel a different atmosphere between these European matches and league games?
"Yes, it brings a lot of excitement. It's also great to discover other fan bases. In Frankfurt, you could really feel how much the fans were behind their team; it adds an emotional dimension and a different energy on the pitch. After years of playing the same teams in the league, it's refreshing to have new opponents and see the fans get involved for these games. The experience in Frankfurt was fantastic, and I hope our supporters will give them a similar welcome here."
