Although the tour brought different experiences for everyone, one thing is certain: Lőrinc Papp and Teó Balázs, who play for our age-group teams, will not soon forget what they experienced abroad.
Our two academy players were given opportunities not only in training but also in the friendly matches, and both said they were delighted that our head coach Tamás Feczkó placed his trust in them.
“I was very happy that I could travel with the team, and especially that I was able to play as well. I think for a young player it gives not only feedback but also a huge boost when both the coach and the team trust him. I was very happy about it; I think everything went well” – the young footballer told the 'Csak a Honvéd!' programme on M4 Sport. U19 goalkeeper Lőrinc Papp felt similarly and returned from Turkey with unforgettable memories.
“This was the first training camp where I could prepare with the senior team. These are the kind of memories you never forget. The fact that my debut went well contributes a great deal to that. I am already looking forward to what comes next – said our 18-year-old goalkeeper, who made his first appearance for the senior team particularly memorable. Our academy player saved a penalty late in the friendly against Shakhter Karagandy of the Kazakh second division.
“I found out the day before that I was going to play. The head coach and the goalkeeping coach both spoke to me and said I could expect 20–30 minutes of playing time. The previous evening I decided to put everything else aside and focus only on the next day’s match. I managed to come on exactly as I had imagined and dreamed. Being able to save a penalty in Honvéd colours is special to me. My family could watch it at home as well, and that makes both them and me proud. It was a huge step, but I know I have to remain very humble. This is a big thing for me now, but I will need many more moments like this if I want to be successful later on.
Our young players had no problems settling in either; they said they found a very welcoming, family-like environment. Even so, Lőrinc Papp stressed that holding your own in the senior team represents a much greater challenge.
“Senior football is very different. There is much more pressure; you are playing for stakes and for money. And the fact that players of this calibre are in the squad is a big thing. Obviously the rhythm and psychology of football are different, but I feel ready and that I belong in this team.”
The two talented footballers also set individual goals for the remainder of the season, while agreeing on one thing: their main ambition is to make an appearance in NB II as well.
“I am approaching the second half of the season with the clear goal of making my NB II debut, because so far I have only been given opportunities in friendly matches” – added Teó Balázs, who plays for the U17 team.
You can watch the full episode of 'Csak a Honvéd!' here:
MERKANTIL BANK LIGA 2025/26, ROUND 16
February 2 (Monday), 20:00
BUDAPEST HONVÉD FC–VIDEOTON FC FEHÉRVÁR
Bozsik Arena
WE WOULD LIKE TO DRAW OUR SUPPORTERS’ ATTENTION TO THE FACT THAT TICKETS PURCHASED FOR THE LEAGUE MATCH AGAINST VIDEOTON FC FEHÉRVÁR ARE AUTOMATICALLY VALID FOR THE HUNGARIAN CUP MATCH AGAINST ESMTK ON FEBRUARY 11 AS WELL. So this time you can watch two matches for the price of one! Let us support the team together in both competitions!
