Rüütli takes Estonia's top job

Tarmo Rüütli has been appointed coach of Estonia. He replaces Viggo Jensen, who steps down after completing his six-month contract.

'Challenge'
The 53-year-old Rüütli has signed a two-year deal which begins on 1 December. He will continue coaching his club side FC Levadia Tallinn in 2008 before devoting his time solely to the national side in 2009. Rüütli guided Levadia to their third Meistriliiga title in four years earlier this month. "Doing both jobs is difficult, but I don't think there will be any problems," Rüütli said. "Some practical issues will be solved when the work starts, but the national team won't be playing every week. It's a challenge which I take on with pleasure. I have been working in Estonian football for a long time so I recognise the problems and will do my best to get the national team back on track."

Second chance
It is the second time Rüütli has coached Estonia, having taken temporary charge for 13 months in 1999/00 following the departure of Teitur Thordarson. Rüütli enjoyed an excellent ten-game spell, winning six, drawing two and losing only two matches. Understandably, Levadia were reluctant to let Rüütli go, and he was only able to take the job after protracted negotiations between Levadia's president Viktor Levada and Estonian Football Association president Aivar Pohlak resulted in a compromise late on Thursday night.

'Strength'
Estonia endured a torrid UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifying campaign during which they lost their opening seven matches without scoring a goal. They finished second-bottom in Group E, collecting just seven points from 12 games. "Everyone is saying the national team is in crisis, so we have to see what we can do to get out of it," Rüütli said. "Football is a simple game, we do not need to reinvent the bike here. We only need to find the right strength to step on the pedals and turn the wheels in the right direction." Rüütli's first challenge comes in January, when Estonia play two friendly matches in El Salvador at the same time Levadia are expected to be competing in a friendly tournament in St Petersburg.