Tommi Nikunen “Ahonen can win the tournament”
Tommi Nikunen has been taking care of the Finnish national team since this summer. In addition to one win in the eight competitions so far, The Finns are a bit of a disappointment.
But Nikunen introduces young players to the team, such as Akseli Kokkonen and Arttu Lappi, who are already at the forefront of the world.
28-the summer coach celebrated his greatest successes so far with the nordic combined team.
Skispringen.com: Mr. Nikunen, what is the balance of the Finnish team after the first part of the season?
Tommi Nikunen: That was my goal, that our competitor would always be on the podium and one of them would be in the top ten. In the future it should be more than one. Janne Ahonen and Matti Hautamaeki were primarily responsible for this. The first training sessions in the snow went well, but then we had bad luck and some mental problems. The problem was with our overalls and skis. We already got new equipment and we hope, it will be better now.
What do you think about Austrian overalls??
Nikunen: We have little chance, to get such overalls this season. We got ours this summer.
We greatly appreciate the development of the Austrian team's equipment.
Janne Ahonen lives up to expectations so far. But what happened to Matti Hautamaeki?
Nikunen: He was doing his military service, therefore his preparation was not so good. Now he has been training very well at home. Good results must now be confirmed in competitions. I believe in him and I know, to repeat the successes of last season.
Also Risto Jussilainen is still looking for his form. How is his case?
Nikunen: Risto trained well, therefore there is no problem. I don't see any grounds, not to be found.
Arttu Lappi and Akseli Kokkonen are a real surprise
in team!
Nikunen: So, in any case. If so, they will also perform well in the tournament, we can be more than happy. This is their first participation in the tournament.
A co z forma Tami Kiuru and Veli-Matti Lindstroema?
Nikunen: I don't know, why doesn't Tami jump so well
in competitions. He jumps very far in training. Then he is good in qualifying, and not in competition.
What about Veli, it's really hard to say anything. He jumps very well at training in Finland, but in the World Cup his form is below average. He needs to get fit, then he can be the best jumper.
What are your goals for the tournament??
Nikunen: There is no big difference between the tournament for me,
and other World Cup competitions. We have the same goals here. One of our players should be in the top three, although Janne Ahonen can win the 4-Hills-Tournament.