FCI Levadia midfielder Mihkel Ainsalu did not hold back after his team’s 2-2 draw against Harju JK Laagri, a result that confirmed Levadia’s second-place finish in the Estonian Premium Liiga. The 29-year-old midfielder openly criticized some of his teammates and revealed that he will leave the club at the end of the season.
Levadia entered the final round needing to beat Harju and hope that rivals Flora Tallinn dropped points in Pärnu. Ainsalu gave Levadia a first-half lead, but Flora were already comfortably ahead 2-0 in their own match. In the second half, Levadia lost control of the game, allowing Harju to score twice late on before an own goal salvaged a draw.
“We have a good group, but at certain moments not good enough for playing football,” Ainsalu said bluntly on ETV after the match. “The first warning signs appeared already back in February during our training camp in Spain. Unfortunately, you could see something wasn’t right even then. The whole season has been about fixing problems – nothing more.”
Later, speaking to reporters, Ainsalu admitted that what bothered him most was not the last match, but the entire season’s inconsistency. The squad had agreed before kickoff not to check Flora’s result at halftime – a plan not everyone followed.
“My mind’s been at peace for a while already,” he said. “I don’t know who looked at the score, but we agreed to focus on our own job – and we didn’t do it. Like many times this season, we have to throw ashes on our own heads.”
When asked why Levadia again failed to hold onto a lead, Ainsalu replied:
“The same story as all season. The first half is often very good – or sometimes the opposite. But we can’t play well for a full 90 minutes. Some things stayed inside the team, and it wouldn’t be right to discuss them publicly. But honestly, I had a bad feeling already before the season. Still, you must always believe – even if the chances are small. That belief, you can never lose – in football or in life.”
The midfielder clarified that his criticism was not directed at head coach Curro Torres:
“The entire squad has been behind the coach all season, just as Curro has been behind every player,” he stressed. “It’s just that a few individuals didn’t prove the value that the coach gave them. Certain players, yes. But at the end of the day, I can only speak for myself. I’ve said before – I’m one of those players in this team who has to take responsibility.”
Ainsalu also confirmed that he will leave Levadia once his contract expires at the end of November.
“You can never say ‘never,’ but most likely, yes – I’m leaving,” he said. “I can’t say more right now. My contract runs out soon.” He did not reveal whether his next step would be abroad or in another Estonian club.
Ainsalu who joined Levadia before the 2023 season for his second spell at the club had made 124 appearances across all competitions the last three season, scoring 30 goals.
