Estonian midfielder Johann Kõre has signed for Reynir Sandgerði in Iceland’s 3. deild karla (fourth tier), telling Soccernet.ee he’s embracing the realities of lower-league life with a smile — on and off the pitch.
“An agency wrote to me and asked about my plans. They don’t work with professional players but look for players for countries like Iceland and Norway, where the club also provides a job,” Kõre explained. The offer fit perfectly: “I’m basically the caretaker of our home stadium here, so I mow the grass and, when needed, use the trimmer as well. I do all the work that comes with maintaining the training complex and the stadium.”
The 21-year-old, formerly of Viimsi JK, says the package made sense from day one. “I have free accommodation, free food, and also a car to use — a 2022 Dacia, no complaints. The salary here is quite high too, certainly better than in Estonia. In addition there are bonuses, and I get extra pay for every match and for wins.”
On the football side, Kõre has been struck by the setup. “The infrastructure here is very impressive. Straight from the airport they brought me to a semi-detached house with very good conditions… The first training session was immediately on a grass pitch with perfect turf — like at A. Le Coq Arena, honestly. Even in the lower leagues here the conditions are excellent.” He added: “We also went a bit outside Reykjavik to an indoor football hall that was absolutely incredible… much better than most Estonian Premium liiga clubs.”
He rates the overall level similar to a solid Esiliiga mid-table side, but notes a clear stylistic shift. “Most Icelandic teams have a similar approach… A couple of passes in midfield, then the ball into the wide channel and runs in behind the line. The game here is much more direct and, so to speak, simpler.”
Settling in has been smooth. “People here are very friendly, they welcomed me warmly and told me to take it easy. Settle in first and then we’ll get to work.” Language isn’t an issue either: “Everyone speaks English very well; I might actually be the one with the worst English,” he laughed.
As for why now, the midfielder is candid about the path ahead. “Although we were firmly near the top of Esiliiga with Viimsi for the last two and a half years, no concrete offers came from Estonia. Only one Premium liiga club showed interest, but that fell through. I no longer had any pathway in Estonia. In Iceland, everything is in place and, if it goes well, I can move higher from here.”
