Alfred Johansson really does take things one game at a time.
On Wednesday, he admitted he “didn’t even know about the draw” in relation to potentially facing Freiburg in the Conference League play-offs, and on Thursday, he certainly wouldn’t entertain any questions about reaching that stage by defeating HJK Helsinki next week.
For now, the Finnish side is not on his mind. His sole focus is Falkirk on Sunday.
It will be the Swede’s first home game in the Scottish Premiership, and though he only joined over the summer, he’s acutely aware of the hold the Bairns had over the Steelmen last season.
“They were the nemesis last year,” Johansson said in Helsinki, shortly before he and his players hopped on a plane back home to prepare for the meeting with John McGlynn’s side after a 1-1 first-leg draw in Finland.
“I don’t think anyone cannot be so excited by the opportunity to play them on Saturday.
“The staff have a lot of knowledge about them, I know they’re a good team from what I’ve seen already – including from some of the games last year I watched prior to signing the contract here.
“They’re a good team with a lot of energy, a lot of stability within the club and the manager’s position.
“They’re improving all the time, exceeding expectations and it’s going to be a difficult game but we’re looking forward to it with confidence.
“They’ve lost a few players, but we have too so it’s going to be a tight game – that’s what the Premiership is, isn’t it?”
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