The Estonia national team is preparing for another Baltic Cup campaign, and ahead of the tournament head coach Jürgen Henn opened up about several notable selection decisions – including the return of Frank Liivak and the absences of players such as Mihkel Ainsalu and Alex Matthias Tamm.
Henn began his press conference by admitting that a squad is never exactly how a coach would ideally want it to look. Estonia were forced to leave several players out due to both injuries and personal reasons. Maksim Paskotši, Joonas Tamm and Marten-Chris Paalberg all missed out through injury, while Michael Schjønning-Larsen, Matvei Igonen and goalkeeper Karl Andre Vallner were unavailable for personal reasons, with Vallner preparing for his wedding.
“Because they requested this opportunity earlier, we agreed to it that way,” Henn explained. “At the same time, I see that the core of the team has remained together, and that is important.”
One major boost for Estonia is the return of two key leaders – captain Karol Mets and first-choice goalkeeper Karl Jakob Hein – both of whom recently recovered from injuries in time for the Baltic Cup.
According to Henn, Mets feels stable enough physically to participate in the tournament, while Hein’s situation will continue to be monitored during training sessions. Still, the Estonia coach expressed confidence in backup goalkeepers Kaur Kivila and Henri Perk if needed.
“We’ll first see how Karl feels in training. We are taking it one game at a time. Right now I can’t give a 100 percent answer about who will play,” Henn said. “Fortunately we also have Kaur and Henri, who were with us in the previous camp. The other goalkeepers are in a good place too, so it’s not an unknown situation for us.”
One of the biggest headlines in the squad announcement was the return of Frank Liivak, who is back in the national team after almost four years away. The Levadia wing-back last represented Estonia in autumn 2022, after previously being a regular fixture around 2019 and 2020.
Henn explained that Liivak’s attacking qualities and current form played a major role in his recall.
“I think at times we have especially lacked the ability to create something offensively from the wing-back positions,” said Henn. “He has earned a lot of minutes, he brings the energy this team needs and he always comes with hunger and desire to play. He’s a former attacker who has now also learned to play defensively. I think competition in that position is very welcome.”
Another long-awaited inclusion is midfielder Soufian Gouram. The 20-year-old recently signed a new contract with Hertha Berlin and made his debut in the German 2. Bundesliga earlier this month.
Henn revealed that Estonia’s staff have followed Gouram closely for a long time, but injuries and illness previously prevented him from fully breaking into the senior setup.
“We’ve been monitoring his development at club and national team level for a long time,” Henn explained. “He has had some unfortunate timing with injuries and illness in the past, but now is the right moment for him. He made a significant step forward at club level and has been one of the standout players for the U21 team.”
The Estonia coach compared Gouram in some ways to Rocco Robert Shein.
“He may not be as physically powerful, but he has a special ability to keep the ball and play under pressure. His technical quality, unpredictability and character are things we definitely need in this team.”
Teenage midfielder Tony Varjund has also been promoted from the U21 side after impressing with Flora this season. The 18-year-old has registered three assists in the Premium liiga campaign and recently set up a goal in the Estonian Cup final.
Henn believes Varjund has already shown he can compete internationally after strong performances for the U21 national team, including scoring against France’s youth side last autumn.
“With Tony it’s a similar story to Gouram,” Henn said. “He has shown in U21 matches that he can handle international level against strong opponents. Those games proved that technically and physically he is ready for this level. On top of that, in recent league matches he has shown how much energy he gives in pressing situations. That is extremely important for a national team like ours, where defending starts from the front.”
While several young players received opportunities, notable attacking absences include Alex Matthias Tamm and Henri Anier, both of whom have frequently been involved with the national team in recent years.
Henn explained that a lack of playing time played a decisive role in their omissions. Anier has struggled with injuries, while Tamm endured a difficult spell at Livingston in Scotland, where he barely featured during the second half of the season and collected only around 50 minutes of playing time.
The coach admitted he discussed the situation personally with both players.
“We need players who are 100 percent ready to bring intensity both in pressing and in the game without the ball,” Henn said. “They have both been in a difficult situation recently, but I hope things improve for them. Fortunately there is enough time for them to return in good shape for the autumn.”
Speaking specifically about Tamm, Henn acknowledged the mental difficulties caused by such a long absence from competitive football.
“Alex has had a very long break from playing. Mentally that is very difficult to overcome. Together we decided it would be better for him to take some time and return hungry and fresh in the autumn.”
Henn also addressed the situation surrounding Marten-Chris Paalberg, whose move to France has been disrupted by injuries.
According to the Estonia coach, Paalberg may have struggled with the rapid jump in intensity after leaving Estonian football.
“He has had two knee issues that may have been caused by overload,” Henn explained. “The jump in workload after moving abroad was quite significant. He returned, started training again, and the knee pain came back. At the moment, the estimated return to full team training is at the end of June.”
One player Henn admitted he would have liked to include was Levadia midfielder Mihkel Ainsalu. However, the experienced midfielder preferred to focus on club football as Levadia continue their strong Premium liiga title push.
Ainsalu has been one of Levadia’s most important players this season, while Mark Oliver Roosnupp has also enjoyed impressive form.
“Those names absolutely came up,” Henn admitted. “Levadia are in excellent form and credit also goes to the coach for finding very good roles for Oliver and Mihkel. I’ve been in contact with Mihkel since winter and at the moment he feels he wants to focus more on club football, which also seems to be benefiting him. We’ll revisit the situation in the autumn.”
Henn stressed that Ainsalu remains highly valued within the national team setup.
“His profile, his leadership qualities and the way he has been in previous camps – he has been an important piece for us.”
Another player discussed was Kristo Hussar, who has experienced a more difficult period since moving abroad. Even when he has not featured for AS Trenčin’s first team, Hussar has continued playing regularly for the reserve side.
Henn praised the defender’s mentality and work ethic.
“Especially abroad, things don’t always go the way you want,” he said. “You have to survive those mentally difficult situations and show the coach that whenever an opportunity comes, you are ready. In the end it is always the coach’s decision, and sometimes it may not feel fair to the player.”
“I think Kristo has reacted to the situation very well and taken as much as possible from it. Knowing his work ethic, players with that kind of mentality eventually break through one way or another.”
