Estonia men’s national team head coach Jürgen Henn is preparing for a unique challenge. Tuesday’s friendly against Andorra will not only be about securing a positive result but also about giving national team stalwarts Taijo Teniste and Konstantin Vassiljev a fitting farewell.
“After training today we’ll see if they survive!” Henn joked when asked how much game time the pair might get. Switching to a more serious tone, he explained that behind the scenes, staff had to negotiate carefully with the Andorran side to ensure both centurions could bow out with dignity while leaving Estonia enough flexibility for substitutions. “We didn’t get extra stoppages, but we can make six substitutions – that helps a little. We’ll go over the details with Kostja and Taijo about what to be ready for. We’ll see how the match goes and how they feel. After today’s more intense session, we’ll make a final decision. Everything has been agreed in principle, and tomorrow we’ll confirm the procedures with the referees,” said Henn. Under FIFA rules, six substitutions are the maximum for a match to still be recognised as an official international.
Henn stressed that incorporating Teniste and Vassiljev into the fixture had not complicated preparations. “How we prepare, analyse the opponent, train – that hasn’t changed. Both are professionals, and Taijo is still playing at club level. For me it’s a new experience in terms of managing it during the game, but I don’t expect problems.”
The Estonia squad are still digesting a bruising 5-0 defeat to Italy. Henn admitted it left its mark. “We can’t deny the team got a shake. After our last good camp, we wanted at least to maintain that level. But we’ve had two or three days to analyse properly and to identify what needs improving already tomorrow. The good thing is that within a month we host Italy and Moldova, and we can show a reaction. We don’t want this 0-5 to define who we are. We certainly won’t accept that it was our best.” One enforced change will be the absence of defender Maksim Paskotši, who picked up an injury against Italy. “He’s gone back to his club to get tests quickly. We’ll know more in the coming days, but it’s too early to comment. With the others it’s just minor issues – after today’s training we’ll know more, but overall the squad is available,” said Henn.
International friendlies are increasingly rare, and Henn was asked if retirement send-offs might be better staged separately. “Maybe that’s a question for the future. If friendlies become even scarcer, perhaps the format needs rethinking. Right now I don’t see a problem. With Taijo and Kostja it’s simple – they’re professionals and in good shape,” he replied.
Estonia have faced Andorra 12 times in their history and won on every occasion. Does that record create added pressure? “I don’t think so. We’re not focused on that. Even before Italy we spoke about wanting results. Estonia always wants to win, especially at home. The team wants to react well to Italy and move forward again. Tomorrow is a good opportunity,” Henn said. Andorra, he added, present a very different challenge compared with Italy. “It’s a completely different window with two very different opponents. We haven’t played against a side like this for a while – one where we expect to have more of the ball, to attack, and to break down a compact low block. They’ll certainly come with a plan to make life difficult.”
Friday’s game against Italy was physically demanding, followed by travel, so Henn is expected to shuffle his line-up. “Some changes are necessary. With so few matches like this, we need to use the chance to widen the squad and give minutes. I plan to do that also with Taijo and Kostja,” he smiled. Two potential debutants are in the squad: FCI Levadia centre-back Tanel Tammik and Harju JK Laagri striker Karel Eerme. “Of course, they might get minutes tomorrow – that’s why they’re here!” Henn confirmed.
Estonia v Andorra, also serving as the farewell match for Taijo Teniste and Konstantin Vassiljev, kicks off at 19:00 (local time) on Tuesday evening at A. Le Coq Arena in Lilleküla.
Source: https://soccernet.ee/artikkel/mitu-minutit-henn-duole-teniste-vassiljev-annab-vaatame-kas-jaavad-trennis-ellu
