Mixu Paatelainen, Finnish footballer and coach
Mika-Matti Petteri Paatelainen: A Comprehensive Overview of a Finnish Football Icon
Mika-Matti Petteri Paatelainen, born on February 3, 1967, is a highly respected figure in Finnish football, renowned for his extensive career as both a professional player and a manager. Known affectionately as "Mixu" in football circles, his journey spans across multiple countries and leagues, leaving a significant mark on the clubs and national teams he represented and led.
A Prolific Playing Career Across Four Countries
Paatelainen's professional playing career was a remarkable 20-year odyssey, during which he featured for nine different clubs across four distinct footballing nations. Primarily operating as a powerful centre-forward, his physical presence, aerial ability, and clinical finishing made him a potent threat in attack. His most significant impact as a player was arguably felt within the Scottish leagues.
- Scottish Premiership Dominance: Paatelainen spent a considerable portion of his career in Scotland, becoming a popular and effective striker for several prominent clubs. He notably played for Dundee United, Aberdeen, Hibernian, St Johnstone, and St Mirren. His time with these clubs cemented his reputation as a formidable goalscorer in British football.
- English Premier League Pioneer: In a landmark moment for Finnish football, Paatelainen made history as the first Finnish player to compete in the English Premier League during his tenure with Bolton Wanderers. His move to Bolton showcased his ability to perform at the highest level of English club football. He also had a spell with Wolverhampton Wanderers in England.
- Continental Experience: Beyond the UK, Paatelainen honed his skills at Valkeakosken Haka in his native Finland, where he began his professional journey. He also ventured to France, representing RC Strasbourg, gaining valuable experience in a major European league.
An Illustrious International Career with Finland
Mika-Matti Paatelainen was a cornerstone of the Finnish national football team for many years, earning 70 caps and scoring 18 goals during his international career. These statistics place him as Finland's all-time thirteenth most capped player and their fifth top goalscorer, underscoring his immense contribution to the Huuhkajat (Eagle-Owls).
His dedication and goal-scoring prowess made him one of the most significant attackers in Finnish football history. This footballing pedigree runs deep in the Paatelainen family, as he is the eldest of three brothers—Mikael "Mixu" Paatelainen and Ari Paatelainen—all of whom played professional football. Their father, Matti Paatelainen, also achieved international status, representing Finland during his own playing career, further establishing the family's enduring legacy in the sport.
From Player to Manager: A Diverse Coaching Journey
Upon retiring as a player in 2005, Paatelainen seamlessly transitioned into management, embarking on a coaching career that would see him take charge of various clubs and national teams across continents.
- Early Managerial Success in Scotland: His first managerial role was at Scottish club Cowdenbeath. Under his guidance, "The Blue Brazil" achieved notable success, winning the championship of the Scottish Football League Third Division and securing promotion, a testament to his immediate impact as a coach.
- Return to Finnish Football: Following his success in Scotland, Paatelainen spent a season coaching in his native Finland with Turun Palloseura (TPS).
- Back to Scotland and High-Profile Roles: He returned to Scotland to manage Hibernian, a club he had previously played for, before departing by mutual consent after 18 months. After a brief hiatus, he took the helm at Kilmarnock, where despite a tenure of less than a season, he was widely praised for implementing an attractive, attacking style of play and achieving personal success with the team.
- Leading the Finland National Team: One of Paatelainen's most significant appointments was as the manager of the Finland national team in March 2011. He held this prestigious position until June 2015, working to develop Finnish football on the international stage.
- Subsequent Club and International Ventures: In October 2015, he was appointed manager of Dundee United, another former club, but his tenure ended in May 2016 following the club's relegation to the Scottish Championship. Demonstrating his adaptability and global reach, Paatelainen has since managed Ubon United in Thailand, further expanding his experience in Asian football, and has also taken charge of the national teams of Latvia and, most recently, the Hong Kong national football team, reinforcing his reputation as an internationally experienced coach.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mika-Matti Petteri Paatelainen
- Who is Mika-Matti Petteri Paatelainen?
- Mika-Matti Petteri Paatelainen is a former Finnish professional football player who had a distinguished career as a powerful striker, primarily in Scotland and England, and later became an accomplished football manager, coaching clubs and national teams across Europe and Asia.
- What was Mika-Matti Paatelainen's playing position?
- Paatelainen primarily played as a centre-forward or striker, known for his physical strength, aerial prowess, and goal-scoring ability.
- Which clubs did Mika-Matti Paatelainen play for?
- He played for nine clubs across four countries, including Valkeakosken Haka (Finland), Dundee United, Aberdeen, Hibernian, St Johnstone, St Mirren (all Scotland), Bolton Wanderers, Wolverhampton Wanderers (both England), and RC Strasbourg (France).
- Was Mika-Matti Paatelainen the first Finn to play in the Premier League?
- Yes, Mika-Matti Paatelainen holds the distinction of being the first Finnish player to feature in the English Premier League during his time with Bolton Wanderers.
- How many goals did Paatelainen score for the Finnish national team?
- He scored 18 goals in 70 appearances for the Finnish national team, making him Finland's fifth all-time top goalscorer.
- Which teams has Mika-Matti Paatelainen managed?
- His managerial career includes spells at Cowdenbeath, TPS, Hibernian, Kilmarnock, the Finland national team, Dundee United, Ubon United (Thailand), the Latvia national team, and the Hong Kong national football team.