The Hungarian U21 national team defeated the host Cyprus 1-0 in a friendly match held in Paralimni, with a second-half goal from Botond Vajda, the player of DVSC.  Another player of Loki, Tamás Szűcs was in the starting line-up and played almost the entire match.

According to the report on mlsz.hu, the professional staff led by Zoltán Szélesi began their work at the beginning of the week with the U21 national team, consisting of players born in 2004 and 2005. On Thursday, the team already played an international match in Paralimni against the host Cypriot national team.

After the scoreless first half, Zoltán Szélesi made four substitutions during the break and in the second half, even more players came off the bench. In the 66^th minute, the Hungarian team took the lead due to Botond Vajda’ goal, who had just come on as a substitution. At the end of a right-sided action, the goalkeeper saved Zalán Vancsa’s shot, but the winger of DVSC took the rebound and calmly slotted it into the net (0-1).

On November 19, Zoltán Szélesi’s team will play against the host Greece in Serres.

Cyprus-Hungary 0-1 (0-0)

Hungary: Martin Dala (Balázs Tóth, 46.) – Áron Dragoner (Bence Lányi, 61.), Antal Yaakobishvili (István Pekár, 77.), Milán Demeter – Norbert Kaján (Gergő Bodnár, 61.), Tamás Szűcs (Ádám Merőnyi, 87.), Rajmund Tóth (Alex Tóth, 46.), Dominik Csóka (Botond Vajda, 61.) – Dénes Csanád Vilmos (Ádin Molnár, 46.), Zoltán Vasvári (Milán Klausz, 46.), Zalán Vancsa (Bálint Geiger, 77.)

Goal: Botond Vajda (66.).

DVSC introduced the new head coach of the team, Nestor El Maestro, during a press conference on Monday.

The 41-year-old Serbian-English professional was born in Belgrade, but grew up in England. He started his coaching career at the age of 23 as the first assistant coach of FC Schalke 04 in German Bundesliga. During the early years of his coaching career, he took over the role of the assistant coach in clubs, like Hannover 96, Hamburger SV and FK Austria Wien.

In the 2007/2008 season, he reached the quarterfinals of the Champions League with Schalke 04 and finished in second position in Bundesliga. In the 2011/2012 season, he advanced to the quarterfinals of the UEFA Europa League with Hannover 96, while in Bundesliga, the team finished in fourth place.

In May 2017, he was appointed as the head coach of FC Spartak Trnava, a Slovakian first-division club, which marked a new phase in his professional journey.  Under his leadership, the team won the league title for the first time in 45 years and reached the semifinals of the national cup. He achieved a commendable club record, registering the most wins in a season (26), the most consecutive wins (10) and the fewest goals conceded. These contributions were duly recognized by the Slovakian Football Federation and Press Association, which granted him the “Coach of the Year” award.

In June 2018, he signed a contract with the Bulgarian CSKA Sofia, which is widely regarded as the most prominent club in the country. During his tenure as head coach, he registered the highest points per match (2.25) in the past 15 years, earning 63 points in 28 matches.

His resume also includes teams, such as the Austrian SK Sturm Graz, the Saudi Pro League club Al-Taawoun and the Turkish Göztepe. On 29 July 2023, El Maestro was reappointed as manager of CSKA Sofia. He became the first foreign head coach with the most wins (47) in the history of the club. During the 2023/2024 season, he demonstrated a notable average of 2.1 points per match.

El Maestro arrives in Debrecen together with his staff, including Nikon El Maestro assistant coach, Bojan Stamatovic strength and conditioning coach and Branko Katic goalkeeper’s coach. The coaching staff have had the opportunity to work together in the past as well and have collaborated effectively as a team.

In the 13^th round of NBI, Loki hosted Győr, which has been unbeaten for 7 rounds in the league, on Saturday at Nagyerdei Stadium. Every match is important, but it was a special one as everyone knew that a victory was needed to start moving upwards. Tibor Dombi could not count on Erik Kusnyir, Thor Úlfarsson and Neven Djurasek, who are still doing their rehabilitation, as well as Dusan Lagator, who was suspended due to five yellow cards. Instead of him, Bence Batik was in the starting XI.

The match started with balanced midfield play. In the 6^th minute, at the end of a quick Debrecen attack, Balázs Dzsudzsák made a great pass and Brandon Domingues found himself in a scoring position, but Petrás saved his 13-meter shot. Donát Bárány’s follow-up was blocked by the defenders. However, in the 9^th minute, Győr took the lead after a cross, with Bumba sliding the ball into the bottom left corner from close range (0-1).

After the shock, it took some time for our team to recover, but they only managed to regain control of the game for very short periods. Meanwhile, in the 22^nd minute, Meldin Dreskovic blasted over the bar, and on the other side, Rajmund Tóth’s scissor kick went just wide off the goal.

At the end of the first half, Duro could have doubled the visitors’ lead, but after a save by Balázs Megyeri, he fired wide from 15 meters. However, in the 42^nd minute, the equalizer came: following an action from Domingues, Bárány Donát shot towards the goal and the ball rebounded off Petrás, allowing Bárány to head it into the net from 5 meters (1-1).

At the beginning of the second half, the goalkeeper of Győr saved Balázs Dzsudzsák’s header. In the 53^rd minute, Bumba shot wide off the goal, then Sahli did the same in the 54^th minute. Both teams had some smaller chances, and in the meantime, Bence Batik got injured. He had to be substituted, so Victor Braga came on.

Then, Loki made a comeback in the endgame! In the 73^rd minute, Arandjel Stojkovic gathered the ball, he made a dribble and curled the ball into the bottom right corner from 11 meters (2-1). It was the first goal of our right-back in the ranks of DVSC. In the remaining time, our team could have scored a third goal, but we were unable to do so. Győr equalized in the 89^th minute: Balázs Megyeri punched out the ball, but Bitri blasted it into the net from close range (2-2). Thus, the match ended in a draw.

According to the coach

Tibor Dombi: We haven’t had much role in the first half, we were nervous and were rushing. We made a lot of mistakes and we looked a bit scared. Then, we made a comeback after the break, but could not win at the end. Based on the play, the draw is realistic.

Balázs Borbély: I am not too happy with the result. I think that we should have won this match. We could have scored more goals in the first half, but we were more dangerous after that as well. I would like to emphasize that even though we equalized only at the end, we should have won based on the play.

OTP Bank Liga, round 13.

DVSC-ETO FC Győr 2-2 (1-1).

Nagyerdei Stadium, 4521 spectators. Referee: Karakó F.

DVSC: Megyeri – Stojkovic, Dreskovic, Kocsis G., Ferenczi – Batik (Victor Braga, 64.), Szűcs T. – Szuhodovszki (Vajda, 86.), Dzsudzsák (Szécsi, 76.), Domingues – Bárány (Shedrach, 86.). Interim head coach: Tibor Dombi.

Győr: Petrás – Bitri, Boldor (Skvarka, 77.), Heitor – Albion, Tóth R., Vianna, Duro (Anton, 77.), Sahli (Diarra, 67.) – Bumba, Gavric (Krivokapic, 77.). Head coach: Borbély Balázs.

Goal: Bárány (42.), Stojkovic (73.) as well as Bumba (9.), Bitri (89.).

Yellow card: Dzsudzsák (8.) as well as Boldor (40.), Tóth R. (59.), Heitor (62.), Albion (67.), Duro (70.).

The Hungarian U21 national team will play two practice matches away this month. On November 14, they will play against Cyprus, while on November 19, Greece will be their opponent. The two young talents of DVSC, Tamás Szűcs and Botond Vajda both received a call-up to the national team. Good luck to our players!

Several of our players performed well during the 2-2 draw against Ferencváros, especially Meldin Dreskovic, who made some great blocks and scored an excellent header. Accordingly, M4 Sport included him in the team of the week, while at csakfoci.hu, both Meldin Dreskovic and Arandjel Stojkovic were named in the round’s best lineup, and Tibor Dombi was chosen as the best coach of the matchday.

What concerns Nemzeti Sport, they have chosen Meldin Dreskovic and Gergő Kocsis to be among the best players of the 12th round.

DVSC earned a point after a long winless run, playing a 2-2 draw as the guest of Ferencváros. Our team could make a comeback, but the home team equalized at the end. After the final whistle, Meldin Dreskovic, who delivered a strong performance and scored our second goal, shared his opinion.

“It meant more than what we have seen on the pitch. As the match was approaching, we knew that we were going to play against the best team in Hungary and we had nothing to lose. We made an agreement that whatever happens, we will be a team and fight for one another like we did in the past two years. I think that it worked out. We were ready, compact and effective when it was necessary”, said Meldin Dreskovic, who contributed to earning one point with several big saves and a beautiful goal.

“I never accept praise after a match because I played well only because all my teammates helped me. They also played well because they received my support. This is a team sport and everyone equally deserves the praise. One for all, all for one. It was my first goal in this season, moreover, I scored away against Ferencváros, which felt great. I had a feeling that maybe I will score and I’m glad that it happened.”

Loki will continue the championship against Győr, starting from 4 pm. on Saturday.

“I believe that this game against Ferencváros and the one point that we earned helped us mentally to get back on the right path. A very difficult period is behind us and we hope that it was the last turning point this season. Our ambition is to move upwards from now on.”

Finally, Meldin Dreskovic took the opportunity to call on Loki fans to come and support the team against Győr on Saturday.

“We will fight for the three points with your help. Hajrá, Loki!”

DVSC intends to select the team’s new head coach through thorough preparation. This process is underway and the club has contacted several potential candidates. What is certain is that for the upcoming league match against Győr, Tibor Dombi, who is fully committed to Loki and has successfully revitalized the team, along with his staff, will prepare the team and be on the bench during the game. The introduction of the new coaching staff is expected at the beginning of next week.

Loki would like to thank the fans for their support, which meant a lot to the team, especially during the 2-2 draw against FTC at Groupama Arena. Hajrá, Loki!

Loki, which was in a difficult situation, played at the home of the record holder and title defender Ferencváros on Sunday in the 12^th round of NBI. Our team was not the favourite in this match, moreover, Tibor Dombi could not count on Erik Kusnyir, Thor Úlfarsson and Neven Djurasek, who were still on rehabilitation and Bence Batik, who was suspended. Among the starting XI were Gergő Kocsis and Meldin Dreskovic.

According to the expectations, the match started with the ball possession of Ferencváros. In the 5^th minute, Balázs Megyeri confidently saved Zachariassen’s header. Our team was trying to defend in an organized way and in the 15^th minute, Gergő Kocsis managed to block Barnabás Varga’s clear-cut chance.

The play didn’t change in the second part of the first half as well: DVSC was disciplined, while FTC could not break through the goal of Debrecen. The home team had their attempts, but our players always managed to be at the right place at the right time. Moreover, in the 45^th minute, Arandjel Stojkovic barely shot over the bar. No goals were scored until by halftime and our team stood firm.

The second half started with the corner-kicks of the home team, but DVSC managed to control them. On the other side, the defenders blocked Gergő Kocsis’ shot. In the 59^th minute, Saldanha came on as a substitute and scored immediately, but it was an offside goal. In the 60^th minute, Dibusz made a brilliant save to deny the curl of Tamás Szűcs. Loki started to play more bravely.

Nevertheless, in the 61^st minute, Ferencváros took the lead: after a right-sided cross from Macreckis, Traore headed the ball into the right corner of the goal from 7 meters (1-0). The equalizer came in the 69^th minute: after János Ferenczi’s long-range shot, Donát Bárány touched the ball inside the 5-yard box, which bounced off the post into the net (1-1). Even though the VAR was examining the goal for several minutes, it was valid.

Márk Szécsi and the young Kaye Shedrach came on for the endgame, and Loki heroically saved the goal. Moreover, our team even made a comeback! In the 81^st minute, after Balázs Dzsudzsák’s great cross, Meldin Dreskovic headed the ball under the bar from 4 meters (1-2). In the 86^th minute, FTC reacted: Gruber, who came on as a substitute, battered at the goal from 19 meters (2-2). At the end, it stayed a draw and DVSC earned a well-deserved point.

The next match will be against Győr at Nagyerdei Stadium on Sunday.

According to the coach

Pascal Jansen: “We didn’t finish our attacks with goals, which made things difficult for us. Then, in the second half, we took the lead, and it seemed like the match was in our hands. However, we conceded two goals that perfectly reflected our performance today. I think I was the most surprised person in the entire stadium that we couldn’t win after being ahead.”

Tibor Dombi: “This match could have been even better or worse. I’m happy with this point, which means more than just one point. We were in a very difficult position, but now we have had the moments that allowed us to build each other up. I am satisfied, and hopefully, this is a step forward. It was good to see how our players fought.”

OTP Bank Liga, round 12.

FTC-DVSC 2-2 (0-0).

Groupama Arena, 11 375 spectators. Referee: Bogár G.

FTC: Dibusz- Makreckis, Cisse, Gartenmann, Civic – Maiga (Gruber, 83.), Abu Fani (Roomens, 57.) – Traore, Kady (Ben Romdhan, 74.), Zachariassen (Saldanha, 57.) – Varga B. Head coach: Pascal Jansen.

DVSC: Megyeri – Stojkovic, Kocsis G., Dreskovic, Ferenczi – Lagator, Szűcs T. – Szuhodovszki, Dzsudzsák (Victor Braga, 92.), Domingues (Szécsi, 76.) – Bárány (Kaye Shedrach, 79.). Interim head coach: Tibor Dombi.

Goal: Traore (61.), Gruber (86.) as well as Bárány (69.), Dreskovic (81.).

Yellow card: Gartenmann (50.), Makreckis (83.) as well as Szűcs (56.), Lagator (91.).

Loki played away against the second-division Mezőkövesd, which got relegated from the first division this year, in the MOL Hungarian Cup on Tuesday. A place among the top 16 teams was at stake, but it seemed even more important for the team, led by the interim head coach Tibor Dombi, to find their way back on the right path. Besides Erik Kusnyir, Thor Úlfarsson and Neven Djurasek, Jorgo Pellumbi was also out of the squad due to a minor injury.

At the beginning of the match, Loki took the initiative. Our team was dominating and played with great will. However, the first bigger chance came from the counter-attack of Mezőkövesd, but Szalai shot wide off the goal. In the 15^th minute, Dusan Lagator made a dangerous header, but the defenders could clear at the end. In the 19^th minute, the home goalkeeper made a brilliant save to deny Balázs Dzsudzsák’s shot from 13 meters, after which Brandon Domingues shot wide off the goal from distance.

DVSC had several corner-kicks by the end of the first 30 minutes, but the team could not create bigger chances out of them. Not long before the break, Deczki, the home goalkeeper, performed another feat to deny Domingues’ shot. Thus, Loki could not convert their chances.

At the beginning of the second half, our team still had their attempts, but meanwhile, the striker of Mezőkövesd, Szalai had a one-on-one opportunity and shot the ball over the goal. The game became more and more tense and it could be felt that one goal could decide the match. In the 62^nd minute, Brandon Domingues had a chance, but he curled the ball over the goal.

Botond Vajda came on for the endgame (later Zhirayr Shaghoyan and Yacouba Silue also came off the bench) and DVSC tried to increase the pressure. In the 77th minute, Soma Szuhodovszki clashed with his opponent inside the box, and the referee awarded a penalty. Bartusz converted the penalty and Balázs Megyeri only managed to get a hand on the powerful shot (1-0). In the final minutes, DVSC tried everything but couldn’t equalize, and thus bowed out of the cup competition.

The next league match will be at the home of Ferencváros on Sunday.

According to the coach

Aurél Csertői: It was an exciting match, both teams had their chances. I think that we deserved to qualify to the next round.

Tibor Dombi: The first 10-15 minutes were quite okay, but as the positive moments did not come, we started to sink. In the second half, we became insecure and made a lot of mistakes. I felt like we were dragging each other down with these. We are low and we could not move up.

MOL Hungarian Cup, for a spot among the top 16.

Mezőkövesd-DVSC 1-0 (0-0).

Mezőkövesd, 2000 spectators. Referee: Zierkelbach P.

Mezőkövesd: Deczki – Horváth K. (Bányai, 71.), Bora, Kállai – Krausz, Posztobányi (Jova, 71.), Vajda (Illés, 81.), Varjas, Zachán – Szalai, Bartusz (Ináncsi, 91.). Head coach: Aurél Csertői.

DVSC: Megyeri – Stojkovic (Shaghoyan, 83.), Batik, Lagator, Ferenczi – Szuhodovszki (Silue, 83.), Szűcs T. – Szécsi, Dzsudzsák, Domingues (Vajda, 69.) – Bárány. Interim head coach: Tibor Dombi.

Goal: Bartusz (79., from penalty).

Yellow card: Kállai (59.), Zachán (64.) as well as Szűcs T. (74.), Silue (87.).

The management of DVSC, together with the head coach, evaluated the recent period and concluded that the club and the coaching staff led by Csaba Máté will part ways as the team needs new impulses. Csaba Máté took on the role of head coach for Loki during a challenging time, and we came to know him as an excellent professional and a wonderful person who did everything for the club. However, the lack of success in recent matches indicates that a different professional path is necessary.

We would like to thank Csaba Máté and his assistants, Roland Máté and László Éger, for their work for DVSC. It is important to acknowledge that the recent lack of success is not solely the responsibility of the coaches. Everyone, including the players, has a role in this. Recovering from the current situation is a shared responsibility and requires unity.

For the next two matches, the Tuesday cup match against Mezőkövesd and Sunday’s away league game against Ferencváros, Tibor Dombi will lead Loki as the interim head coach, with assistance from Csaba Madar.

DVSC is committed to regaining the trust of their fans. Hajrá, Loki!

Loki played at the home of their rival, Fehérvár FC in the 11^th round of NBI on Saturday. Csaba Máté head coach could not count on Erik Kusnyir, Neven Djurasek and Thor Ulfarsson, who are still doing the rehabilitation, as well as Gergő Kocsis, who was suspended. Among the starting XI were Bence Batik, Márk Szécsi and Donát Bárány.

The match began with midfield play, both teams defended with discipline and the game even had to be stopped due to home fans’ pyrotechnical activity. The first chance came only in the 18^th minute, when Bedi shot wide off the goal from 17 meters. Everybody could feel that the stakes were high as neither of the teams took risk, so the players tried to play in an organized way.

In the 32^nd minute, Balázs Dzsudzsák shot from 15 meters, but he could not hit the bottom left corner. However, in the 36^th minute, Fehérvár somewhat unexpectedly took the lead, when Gradisar headed the ball under the bar after a corner-kick (1-0). Thus, Fehérvár could go on a break with an advantage.

At the beginning of the second half, Loki had more possession, but both Katona and Szabó missed their chances on the other side of the pitch. In the 55^th minute, Fehérvár doubled their advantage: after a quick counter-attack, Gradisar broke free alone, took the ball towards the goalkeeper and converted the clear-cut chance (2-0). In the 59^th minute, Donát Bárány had an opportunity, but he missed the target.

Soma Szuhodovszki and Kaye Shedrack, who made his debut in the first team, came on for the last 30 minutes (later Dominik Kocsis and Yacouba Silue also came off the bench). DVSC tried to pull one back, but our team’s attempts were not successful. Moreover, after his second yellow card, Bence Batik was sent off the pitch and the match ended in another defeat for Loki.

The next match will be away against Mezőkövesd in the Hungarian Cup, starting from 6 pm. on Tuesday.

According to the coach

Tamás Pető: We are very happy as we earned three important points. We controlled the game and played well. We were effective, so we deserved to win.

Csaba Máté: The match started in a tense atmosphere. It was obvious that both teams were in a difficult situation. In these cases, it is quite important who scores the first goal and unfortunately, our opponent took the lead. In terms of determination, we were better than a week ago, but not much in terms of quality of play. We made a lot of mistakes in front of our opponent’s goal. We will sit down with the management and assess the situation.

OTP Bank Liga, round 11.

Fehérvár FC-DVSC 2-0 (1-0).

Székesfehérvár, 3418 spectators. Referee: Bognár T.

Fehérvár: Dala – Simut, Huszti, Serafimov, Spandler, Holender – Csongvai, Bedi (Kalmár, 89.), Katona M. (Kovács M., 85.) – Szabó B. (Stefanelli, 66.), Gradisar (Larsen, 85.). Head coach: Tamás Pető.

DVSC: Megyeri – Stojkovic, Batik, Pellumbi (Dreskovic, 84.), Ferenczi (Kocsis D., 71.) – Lagator, Szűcs T. – Dzsudzsák (Szuhodovszki, 63.), Szécsi (Shedrach, 63.), Domingues – Bárány (Silue, 71.). Head coach: Csaba Máté.

Goal: Gradisar (36., 55.).

Yellow card: Gradisar (66.), Kovács M. (92.) as well as Ferenczi (45+1.), Batik (64., 83.), Pellumbi (76.), Szuhodovszki (91.).

Dismissed: Batik (83.).

Following weeks of poor performance and the last, unacceptable match, representatives of the majority owner and the club’s management met on Monday to assess the situation. They made decisions regarding sanctions and the club’s future operations.

One such decision is that a certain amount from the players’ and coaches’ pre-determined budget—allocated for achieving specific goals—will be withheld. They will only receive this sum if they manage to defeat Székesfehérvár in the away game on Saturday, and then successfully overcome the challenge in the cup game against Mezőkövesd. If they fail to do so, the withheld amount will be donated to charity.

As for the coaching staff’s performance, the club’s management will conduct an overall assessment after the Székesfehérvár league match and the Mezőkövesd cup game. The management have communicated serious expectations to the staff, in line with the demands placed on the players. At the same time, the professional staff has been given free rein to impose sanctions for any professional or other reasons, with the full support of the management.

The club’s leadership has also decided to restructure its organizational framework. As of today, the role of the sporting director will be managed under a different arrangement. Accordingly, Hayk Hovakimyan—while acknowledging and thanking him for his valuable work for the club over the past two and a half years—will continue his duties as the director of international relations.