LBS reports that the coaches of the Latvian national team have selected 24 players in the extended list of candidates, 15 of whom will start preparing for the EC qualification matches with Belgium on November 18 in Riga.
The team’s first match against Belgium will be on November 22, at 7:00 p.m., in “Arena Riga“, while the return match in Charleroi will take place on November 25, at 9:30 p.m. Latvian time, with the match broadcast live on TV6.
“The next two games will be an important stage before the European Championship in August 2025, because we will be able to grow not only as a team on the field, but to continue building our identity,” says Banki.
“This time there won’t be several experienced leaders in the lineup, but these 24 players have managed to combine experience and youth,” emphasizes the Italian specialist, who points out that ten of the 24 players represent the “Optibet” Latvian-Estonian Basketball League (LIBL).
The list of candidates for the Latvian national team for matches with the Belgian national team:
Rodions Kurucs (UCAM of Murcia, Spain), Richard Daniels Vanags (no club), Juris Vītols, Krišs Helmanis, Dāvids Vīksne, Roberts Bērziņš, Toms Skuja (all – ”Rīgas Zeļļi”), Ojārs Siliņš (Warsaw “Legia”, Poland) , Dāvis Bertāns (Dubai, UAE), Artūrs Strautiņš (Tortonas “Derthona”, Italy), Artis Ate (“Valmiera Glass” University”), Pēteris Pinnis, Rihards Berkold (both – “VEF Riga”), Klāvs Čavars (Baku “Sabah”, Azerbaijan), Rihards Lomažs (Denizli “Yukatel Merkezefendi”, Turkey), Mārtiņš Laksa (“Gliwice”, Poland) , Marcis Šteinbergs (Manrezas “Baxi”, Spain), Kristaps Ćilps, Rodijs Macoha (both – “Liepāja”), Kārlis Šiliņš (“Pistoia”, Italy), Toms Leimanis (“Obradoiro”, Spain), Arturs Žagar (“Fenerbahçe Istanbul”, Turkey), Kristers Zorik (“Le Portel”, France), Matís Kulačkovskis (Bucharest “Rapid” Romania).
Time.news Interview: Building a Future for Latvian Football
Editor (E): Welcome to Time.news! Today, I’m joined by Coach Dainis Banki, the head coach of the Latvian national football team. We’re excited to discuss the team’s preparations for the crucial EC qualification matches against Belgium. Coach Banki, thank you for being here.
Dainis Banki (B): Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to share insights about our preparations.
E: Let’s dive right in. I understand that you’ve selected an extended list of 24 players for the upcoming matches. What went into that selection process, and how important is it to have this depth as you prepare for the matches?
B: The selection process was thorough, as we wanted to identify players who can contribute to our growth as a team. While this time we are missing some experienced leaders, I’m confident that this group can blend well and showcase their potential on the field. The depth allows us to experiment and learn, which is crucial as we aim to build our identity.
E: You mentioned the absence of several experienced leaders—how do you see this impacting the team’s dynamic as you head into these matches?
B: It’s certainly a challenge, but it’s also an opportunity. The younger players might step up to fill those shoes, and this experience can be invaluable for their development. It’s a chance for them to take on leadership roles, learn from the situation, and gain confidence ahead of the European Championship in 2025.
E: Speaking of the upcoming matches, you have back-to-back games against Belgium. How important are these fixtures in terms of preparation for the European Championship?
B: These matches are crucial for our preparation. They represent an important stage in our growth as a team. Not only will we be testing our skills against a strong opponent in Belgium, but we’ll also be able to learn about our strengths and weaknesses. It’s about more than just the results; it’s about evolving and preparing for the future.
E: The first match is in Riga on November 22, and the return match is just a few days later. How does the schedule affect your game strategy?
B: It presents a unique challenge, but we’re well-prepared. We’ll analyze the first match closely to adjust our strategy for the return. The short turnaround means we need to be adaptable, focus on recovery, and ensure that the players are ready both physically and mentally.
E: For fans looking to support the team, where can they watch these matches?
B: The matches will be broadcast live on TV6, so fans won’t miss any of the action. Having the support of our fans in the stands, especially for the home game in Riga, gives us an extra boost.
E: Coach, what do you hope to see from your players in these upcoming matches?
B: I hope to see determination, teamwork, and a reflection of the hard work we’ve put in during our preparations. It’s important that we not only compete but also show our identity as a team. We want to build a foundation that we can rely on when we head into the European Championship.
E: Thank you, Coach Banki! It sounds like an exciting time for Latvian football, and we wish you and the team all the best in the upcoming matches!
B: Thank you! I appreciate the support from everyone. Let’s keep pushing forward together!