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As is known, our team won 2–1 in round 23 of the Merkantil Bank Liga away to BVSC-Zugló. In the 82nd minute, Tamás Feczkó sent on Erik Kovács, who at 16 years and 111 days became the second-youngest academy graduate of all time (and the 73rd overall) to feature for the first team. Noel Keresztes, also part of our squad, was only 62 days 'faster' than him. We asked Erik about settling in, training, his feelings and his ambitions.
You joined us from UTE’s youth system in the summer of 2023. How have you experienced the period since then?
When I joined Honvéd I found myself in a completely new environment. Even though I’m from Budapest, when I arrived I immediately moved into the academy and the first two months were very difficult for me. Before that I spent a lot of time with my family both before and after training. Then everything settled down and I picked up where I had left off at Újpest.
During the winter preparation you were already able to play for Honvéd’s first team against Budafoki MTE, and your name appeared in the match squad several times in the league before you finally made your competitive first-team debut against BVSC.
I was in the match squad for three games: Mezőkövesd, Csákvár and now BVSC. Each time I warmed up while looking at the bench and waiting for Tomi bá (Tamás Feczkó, head coach – ed.) to call me and send me on. At first I didn’t even believe Pista bá (István Paulik, assistant coach – ed.) had said my name. I started moving, then stopped, then sprinted over. I wasn’t wearing any measuring device, but I’m sure my heart rate went through the roof.
In the 82nd minute you replaced Zoli Medgyes, who had scored twice for the first time in Kispest colours. We know there isn’t time for a long conversation in such moments, but did he say anything to you?
Only: 'Come on! Just like in training!' I’ve been training with them for three weeks now. At first several of us joined the first team together. Before the Mezőkövesd match they announced for the first time that one of us could sit on the bench. The coach chose me, and after that I was able to stay with the senior group. One week was missed because of the international break, so I was able to make my debut in the friendly against Budafok.
How are you experiencing all this at such a young age?
The team has been extremely welcoming and has helped me a lot from the very first minute. I’ve received plenty of praise from both teammates and coaches, which feels good. Whenever Tomi bá announces that I’m in the squad, it fills me with huge joy. No matter how tired I am, I always come to training happily. We often have morning and afternoon sessions as well; on my first day, when we had a double session, by the end I could barely stand. This is my third week and I’ve now adjusted to the rhythm. This weekend I played two matches: I travelled to Szeged with the U17s, and against BVSC I was able to sit on the bench and make my debut.
More than five hundred supporters travelled with the team again and backed it until the very end. That is not usual at youth matches, where mainly players’ parents sit in the stands.
Yes, the difference in communication is huge. Previously on the pitch I only heard coaching instructions and my teammates. A lot of people travelled to Mezőkövesd too, but at the BVSC ground, when I came out of the tunnel, I was greeted by a packed away section. Even my parents could barely find a place in the stands. I will never forget this match! I really enjoyed every moment of the game and the atmosphere around it.
You made your debut away from home. How different would it be if you could also play at the Bozsik Arena, perhaps in the next round against Gyirmót?
I’ve already played at the Bozsik and sat in the stands there too, but when I saw the prepared dressing room with my shirt and number hanging up... I was already happy then. And when we went out to warm up and I saw the supporters, that was another feeling again. If Tomi bá happens to give me the opportunity, I’ll try to let go of the pressure that several thousand people are watching every move I make.
Does the environment put pressure on you, or does it motivate you?
Against Mezőkövesd I still felt pressure, but in Zugló, as soon as I came on, I felt liberated. I hope I can make the squad against Gyirmót as well and perhaps get on the pitch.
Did you keep your shirt?
Two people asked me to give them my shirt, but I thought that after my first match, at 16, it would be very arrogant to 'throw it away', so it went back to the kit room.
How difficult is it to switch after an U17 match and then prove yourself among the seniors? Where do you feel the biggest difference?
In fact I had to switch from the seniors to the U17s and then back to the seniors, because lately I’ve barely trained with my own age group. In the first ten minutes of the U17 match I had to get used to the game being much slower than among the seniors. I have much more time to think, while in the senior game you have to pass almost immediately after receiving the ball. That’s why even with the U17s I often rushed things, because that has become ingrained in me over the past few weeks.
What ambitions do you have for the future?
I have long-term goals and also things I want to achieve in the near future. I wanted to get playing minutes with the senior team as soon as possible, and surprisingly that happened quite quickly. I also want to get back into the national team for my age group. Among my longer-term goals is to test myself abroad at as big a club as possible. At 16, for now I don’t want to look any further than that.
Attila Miskei, sporting director of our academy:
“The academy has a clear idea of how it wants to develop players. We have the player profiles we are looking for. With conscious planning, we need to set career plans in front of our players. Essentially the owner has defined two paths. One is to develop players for the first team; this is very important for productivity and for ourselves as well, because these young players with Honvéd in their hearts represent the future of our club. The other possibility is to be able to sell young players abroad. Erik’s parents were excellent athletes and he grew up with very strong values. He has great potential, and together with all my colleagues we need to support his continued development.”
