Christiane Endler is widely regarded as one of the world's best soccer goalkeepers, and Emma Holmgren was signed to the big team Lyon last summer as a clear backup to the Chilean.

So when Endler was injured in the spring, the 25-year-old Swede hoped it was finally time for her to show off.

But it didn't really turn out that way.

Instead, she had to share the task as Endler's replacement with the experienced French goalkeeper Sarah Bouhaddi, who, according to the coach, had an important advantage over Holmgren.

- It is clear that I was disappointed.

I got the explanation that they wanted a goalkeeper who speaks French, says Emma Holmgren.

- You get a bit like "well, you knew about it like before I got here".

But it was just to bite the bullet.

"Right left"

Therefore, the summer has been as much about building up the body as the vocabulary.

- Now I have learned a lot of French and control the field in French and also communicate a little outside.

I think I have made great strides in terms of communication in that more people on the field understand me.

It is something that I have practiced even more after receiving such a message, that they think you are good as a goalkeeper but that they want a goalkeeper who speaks French.

What words do you need to know as a goalkeeper?

-

No, but it's probably just common control phrases like right, left, press up and down.

Moving to Lyon was a decision that would have consequences, Emma Holmgren knew that from the start.

But the former Eskilstuna goalkeeper thought it was worth opting out of given match minutes to gain access to what she herself calls "the world's best training environment".

Clear message

The petting last spring still made her think about the future, and she was rumored for a while to be on her way out.

But Lyon, who among other things regained the Champions League title last spring after a convincing final victory against Barcelona, ​​wanted to keep her.

And the club has now made it clear to the Swede that she is number two behind Christiane Endler.

- They have been very clear that I am the second goalkeeper and they think that Endler and I spur each other on very well.

It is clear that I would have liked to play more games but I have a contract in Lyon and they believe in me firmly.

But I hope I can get more games in the autumn.

CUT: Emma Holmgren CL champion with her Lyon

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Emma Holmgren CL champion with her Lyon