TPS still looking to strengthen the squad

Marco Casagrande, the CEO of TPS, was delighted with the club’s capture of Finland international Jonatan Johansson. He spoke to NFN after Johansson’s introduction to the media, revealing that TPS are still looking for new signings and that a contract extension is in the making for goalkeeper Jukka Lehtovaara.

“The four attacking players have now been secured, now we are looking to reinforce our bottom six with two or three players”, Casagrande said. “We are looking for a defensive midfielder and a left or central defender”, he continued.

“But it is also down to (head coach Marko) Rajamäki’s assessment of how much responsibility our youngsters can be given”, Casagrande said, naming the likes of Kalle Mäkinen.

No trialists are currently about to join the club, but TPS are keeping their eyes open and staying patient.

“There are lots of players unattached right now. There is no panic, given that we have already build a backbone for the team”, Casagrande argues.

He does admit, however, that there is a slight lack of depth in the squad.

“Our starting XI is as good as last year, maybe even better in some areas”, Casagrande proclaims. “But we are a bit short of players”.

There have been rumours that TPS would be tightening the belt financially, but Casagrande claims money will not be an issue when building the team.

“The budget is tight, but we are operating within the frames set. Even if we sign two or three new players. Financial matters will not affect our competitiveness.”

“We are also developing our relationship with Fulham”, Casagrande says.

One of the hot potatoes concerning TPS is the situation of their star goalkeeper Jukka Lehtovaara, who did not move out during the January transfer window. Casagrande says he is unlikely to move to another Nordic country either, even though the Nordic window is until the end of March. Furthermore, TPS are offering the young keeper a new contract that would extend his stay beyond 2010 – if he is not sold.

“It is likely that Jukka will stay until the summer, at least. He could well stay for the whole season for that matter, and we are hoping to sign a contract extension with him”, Casagrande tells NFN.