Jānis Ikaunieks | Photo: Sanita Ieva Sparane/RFS
Midfielder of the Latvian national football team Jānis Ikaunieks in a conversation with “Sporta Avīzi”, he looked back on the 2024 European Championship qualification tournament, and also expressed his thoughts about a possible trip abroad.
Remembering the qualification for the 2024 European Championship, the footballer says that he had faith in the team’s ability to succeed. “Also in the previous cycle, when we went to the first game in Wales, I really believed that we could fight for the top places. Of course it is difficult. We know we’re not favourites, but I know others went into that game thinking we could beat Wales. Before the game against Turkey, no matter how many millions are paid for their talents, in which clubs – even Real Madrid! – those guys would play, we know they can be played. We had done it ourselves before. This time it didn’t happen, but there was no feeling of powerlessness either.”
“It’s different speeds, readiness and skill. At the same time, we can go out there and try to beat them. We lost away by one goal, at home by 0:2, although there was a chance to draw as well,” the midfielder remembers the matches against the Welsh national team.
When asked about playing abroad, Ikaunieks says that he still has that desire. “Inside, they want to try their hand at a stronger championship. If there was an opportunity to play, for example, in the Polish or Hungarian league, I would very much like to do it. I believe that I can definitely play at a high level for another three or four years. Until recently, we had a test match in Poland where I felt it myself, but the problem is that these teams cannot pay the amount that is being asked to let me go. However, RFS is counting on me a lot, and it is not easy to find a common denominator with interested clubs.
Another good season and maybe I’ll have a much better offer at the end of it. I will be a free agent and that will create even better opportunities. I know that everything is in my hands and feet. If it were my only choice, I would be looking at opportunities abroad right now, but it’s definitely not like I’m gnawing at walls just to get out.”
