Gellei welcomes draw

New Hungarian national team coach Imré Gellei feels that his country are in with a good chance of progressing to the next stage of the 2002/03 UEFA European Under-17 Championships. 

'No easy groups'
Speaking after the first group stage draw in Porto which placed Hungary alongside Northern Ireland, Andorra and Wales in Group 11, Gellei said: "There are no easy groups in international football from the top level to youth level and you have to fight for your right to advance in any competition. However, being drawn together with Northern Ireland, Andorra and Wales, I don't think our chances are that bad."

Strong future
Asked how important it was for a new national team coach to be aware of what is happening through the ranks Gellei said: "Certainly it is very important to know how our youth teams are faring. I have worked with the Under-21 team before, so I am aware of the importance of these competitions for the national team coach. In the Under-17s I am delighted to see that Hungary are seeded and have received a bye from the qualifying round. That shows the strength of the future of Hungarian football."

Swiss coach comments
Switzerland coach Bernard Challandes felt that his Under-19 side face a tough challenge in Group 6, having been paired with Bulgaria, Estonia and Denmark. "This is a stronger group than the Under-17 equivalent," he said. "I must admit that I have not seen much of Bulgaria on the youth football circuit. In fact, I think this will be the first time Switzerland face them at this level. We will need to be careful as we know the strength of Bulgarian football at the highest level. I am more familiar with the Danes. They certainly have a good reputation at this level. They will be a very interesting opponent, no question. Estonia, on the other hand, may find the going difficult as they are still on a learning curve, so to speak. But overall, it is a difficult group."

Last word to Lemerre
The last word went to France national team coach Roger Lemerre who highlighted the importance of the Under-19 tournament to the development of future international sides. "Under-19s is a very important level for a national team coach," he said. "It is at this stage that you really begin to see the value of footballers for the future."

Final stages
The winners and runners-up from the eleven first-stage groups will progress to a second group stage where they will be divided into seven groups. The winners of these groups will join hosts Liechtenstein in the final stage of the tournament in July 2003.