The national under-17 football team played three matches in Kosovo. The team included three FC Lahti players. Head coach Erkka V. Lehtola describes the boys from Lahti as “great boys”.
Earlier this week, the mini-squad, the boys’ under-17 football team, qualified for next spring’s European Championship qualifiers.
Pasanen had a hand injury and played the tournament with his hand supported and taped. The mini-champions beat Greece, lost to Italy and drew with Kosovo in the final game.
According to Lehtola, getting more players from FC Lahti to the U17 national team is a combination of good coaching and chance.
– The age group born in 2006 has definitely received better than average coaching in Lahti. An atmosphere has been created there where they are used to training and pushing each other.
Samuel Pasanen and Akseli Puukko have signed a contract with FC Lahti’s league team.
Lehtola sees development in Lahti
Head coach Erkka V. Lehtola has previously publicly wondered why a city the size of Lahti has not produced more national team players.
– Yes, better work is being done in Lahti now than before. Club cooperation has also taken steps forward.
Lehtola’s head coach contract is valid until the turn of the year. The continuation has not yet been agreed upon.
The groups of the European Championship further qualifiers will be drawn on December 8. After the further qualifiers in the spring, it’s time for the 16-team EC final tournament in May-June in Hungary.
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