Latvia’s national futsal team are in the middle of a friendly tournament in Indonesia as preparations continue for their debut at next year’s Euros hosted by Latvia and Lithuania (and Slovenia). Head coach Massimiliano Bellarte says every minute on court now matters as his side look to be at their peak for the historic tournament.
“Every training camp and every friendly is an opportunity for players to learn something new about the game’s nuances,” Bellarte told LFF’s media team. “It improves our readiness, our mutual understanding, and, importantly, contributes to the FIFA rankings, where we’ve just made the biggest climb since they were introduced – from 87th to 60th.”
Appointed in July 2024, Bellarte succeeded Montenegrin coach Vasko Vujović to lead Latvia through the 2026 European Championship. The 46-year-old Italian has won trophies in both Italy and Belgium with men’s and women’s clubs, and spent four years in charge of Italy’s senior national team and U-19s.
Key preparation before Euros
The Italian coach is clear that the current camp is no ordinary gathering. With Euro 2026 just months away, he views it as one of the final checkpoints.
“This camp is very important because quite some time has passed since I last met the players,” Bellarte explained. “Some of their professional paths have shifted, and we need answers to several critical questions. We’ll see what answers we get.”
Foreign influence and exports
Recent years have seen more overseas talent brought into Latvia’s domestic futsal league, raising the standard across the competition. For Bellarte, that impact is only positive.
“The arrival of quality foreign players brings more varied experience, because futsal cultures differ,” he said. “It enriches our traditions. If every team had a few legionnaires, our league would be even closer to the ideal vision of futsal.”
Meanwhile, Latvian players are making their own moves abroad. Five are currently playing in foreign leagues, something Bellarte believes will only increase. “It shows they are good enough to compete at the highest levels,” he said. “If young people see that becoming a professional, going abroad, and combining football with studies is possible, it can inspire them to work towards that path.”
Progress and philosophy shift
Since taking charge, Bellarte feels Latvia have made important strides, not least in their approach to the game.
“I’ve been fortunate to work with a good generation,” he said. “We’ve progressed in how individuals act for the team. Futsal is collective, and every individual quality must serve that mechanism. We no longer start games thinking only about defending and conceding as few goals as possible. We play to ensure we do not help our opponents. Maybe we lose, but not by giving gifts. That’s our starting point – and from there, everything improves.”
Bellarte insists his side will stick to their own style regardless of the opposition: “We try to approach every game positively. We want victories with our football.”
Source: https://lff.lv/zinas/18504/bellarte-jaiegust-atbildes-uz-svarigiem-jautajumiem/
