Topi Nättinen fired back – made a strong claim to IS about the strange act of Kärpät
Oulu Kärpät is one of the biggest disappointments of this Liiga season. The team has one of the largest budgets in the league, but it is sitting in 15th place, ahead of only Vaasan Sport.
Ilta-Sanomat hockey expert and former Liiga player Topi Nättinen is not ready to give up yet.
– I wouldn’t throw in the towel just yet. The trade deadline is still on March 2, after which Kärpät has only six regular season games left. However, by then it will be a serious consideration whether to start selling players, Nättinen tells IS.
Nättinen does not believe in a clearance sale.
– When considering Kärpät’s image and traditions, I argue that they will not go for a clearance sale. Even though it could save a couple of months’ salaries.
According to Nättinen, this week is critical as Kärpät faces Tappara, Ilves, and HIFK.
– Mathematically, the playoff spirit can last for a long time, but if Kärpät loses all games this week, the spirit, self-confidence, and belief in the team will be so low that I can no longer believe in a comeback.
On Monday, Kärpät issued an unusual statement apologizing to the fans for the pain caused and reminding that returning to success takes time.
Nättinen completely dismisses the statement.
– Such a statement does not sound like it came from the players, Nättinen remarked.
– That is washing hands, nothing more. A major club with such a history and financial capability cannot start talking like this in top-level sports.
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