On Monday, June 15, the idea was that Sweden would face Spain in the Bilbao European Championships and for Andreas Granqvist the match would be the beginning of the end of the national team career.

However, a coronary pandemic came in between and the European Championships were moved to next summer, but early after the announcement, national team captain Granqvist announced that he will be driving for another year in Blågult.

- That's still the idea, then a lot will happen. It's a long way to the next European Championship next summer, says Granqvist.

- We take it a little bit after what it looks like and how the body feels after the international matches have started, as it seems now this autumn.

Tonight, instead, the all-newcomer Varberg is waiting with the club team Helsingborg - on exactly the same date as the European Championship premiere would have been played.

- They have longed for a date to aim for. It has been a very, very long preseason, says the 35-year-old midback.

How does the body feel now?

- It's totally okay. You have not played so many matches lately, so it is clear that it is a small question mark when it should start again with three games a week. I have had problems with my groin and stomach during the preseason.

At the same time as the Swedish players have been training for several months without a premiere date, it has become clear that the corona crisis will hit hard on the clubs. It is especially tough for clubs like Helsingborg, which have been struggling with financial problems for several years.

Last week, club representatives were forced to knock on the door of city politicians and municipal officials. HIF predicts that it will go back with at least SEK 17 million.

- Obviously, it's tough. We did not have the most stable economy for this season. But we had equity, though small. Then this adds a lot to both us and many other clubs, says Granqvist.

Chairman Krister Azelius roughly estimates that a total of SEK 40 million may be required to cover deficits for the next three years, writes Helsingborgs Dagblad. HIF will receive a rent rebate for Olympia of almost SEK 7 million this year, but otherwise the municipality presents a support package for the association life after the summer, writes HD.

- The club works hard with the help of sponsors and especially the municipality, which is the largest donor that can help. I think there is a good and close dialogue with the municipality and sponsors all around, says Granqvist.

Clip: "Playing in front of empty stands becomes a mental issue"

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