Hammarby Faces Charleroi in Open Battle for Conference League

Hammarby has been drawn against Belgian team Charleroi in the second qualifying round of the Conference League. Could a former green-and-white player offer some valuable advice?

– I've talked a bit with Hammar. It's a good team, absolutely, notes fullback Simon Strand.

This summer, thanks to last year's second-place finish in the Allsvenskan, Hammarby will embark on the Conference League qualifiers. For Hammarby, the qualifying games begin in the second round, on July 24 and 31.

On Wednesday, it was confirmed that a trip to Belgium awaits the green-and-whites. Charleroi will be their opponent. The team finished tenth in the Belgian regular season last spring and was the strongest among teams ranked 7-12, securing a chance to play in Europe.

Tips from Fredrik Hammar

Hammarby's fullback Simon Strand shares that he has had some contact with Fredrik Hammar regarding the upcoming opponent.

Hammar is now with Belgian club Mechelen and has encountered Charleroi this past spring.

– It's a good team, absolutely. That's what I've heard, says Strand.

A good insider in Hammar?

– Exactly! A little, at least, says Strand.

– He'll probably be there to cheer us on, at least. It'll be fun!

“I Believe We Have a Great Chance”

Another person looking forward to the European challenge is coach Kim Hellberg.

– It's really exciting for Hammarby, and we'll do everything we can to advance. It feels like a completely open fight, he says.

– Generally, the Belgian league is quite good, but I believe we have a great chance.

Hammarby could also have faced teams like Sparta Prague (Czech Republic), Riga FC (Latvia), and Silkeborg IF (Denmark).

– Of course, Sparta Prague would have been tough, says Kim Hellberg.

– They scored some points in the Champions League (four points in the so-called league phase last season), easily defeated Malmö (4–0 over two matches) in the qualifiers.

– You simply didn't hope for that.