Aivar Lillevere, Estonian footballer and coach
Aivar Lillevere: An Eminent Figure in Estonian Football
Aivar Lillevere, born on 23 January 1962, stands as a highly respected and influential personality in Estonian football. His distinguished career spans decades, marked by dual roles as a prominent football manager and a former professional player. Lillevere's contributions have significantly impacted various levels of Estonian football, from club management and youth development to leading both the men's and women's senior national teams.
A Distinguished Playing Career
Before transitioning into management, Lillevere enjoyed a notable playing career, primarily as a defender. He represented several Estonian clubs, including Sport Tallinn and Flora Tallinn, showcasing his foundational understanding of the game and tactical awareness from a player's perspective. This extensive on-field experience undoubtedly laid the groundwork for his future success as a coach.
Extensive Managerial Journey: From Clubs to National Sides
Lillevere's managerial journey is characterized by its breadth and depth, demonstrating his versatility and commitment to developing football talent across different age groups and professional tiers.
- Club Management: Lillevere has been a recurring and significant figure for several Estonian clubs.
- Viljandi JK Tulevik: He is particularly associated with Viljandi JK Tulevik, a key club in Estonian football. Lillevere has had multiple stints as both head coach and assistant coach with Tulevik (e.g., during periods like 1999–2000, 2008, and from 2011 to 2017), playing a crucial role in their development and competitive performance within the Estonian leagues, including the Meistriliiga, the top tier of Estonian football.
- FC Elva: He also managed FC Elva, further broadening his experience in club football leadership (for instance, during the 2006–2007 season).
- Nurturing Future Talent: Estonian Youth National Teams: A substantial part of Lillevere's career has been dedicated to nurturing the next generation of Estonian footballers. He has served as manager for various Estonian youth national sides, including the under-16, under-17, under-18, and under-19 teams. This extensive involvement in youth development underscores his commitment to building a strong foundation for Estonian football's future, guiding young players through critical stages of their progression towards professional careers.
- Leading the Senior National Teams: Lillevere's expertise has also been called upon at the highest level of international football for Estonia.
- Brief Stint with Estonia Men's National Team: In February 2000, Aivar Lillevere stepped in to manage the Estonia men's national team during the 2000 King's Cup, an international football tournament held annually in Thailand. This period, though brief and likely an interim role, marked his direct leadership of the senior men's squad on the international stage.
- Pioneering Leadership of Estonia Women's National Team: A significant milestone in his career was his appointment as manager of the Estonia women's national football team on 21 May 2008. He led the women's national side from 2008 to 2012, a pivotal period that saw efforts to raise the profile and competitiveness of women's football in Estonia. His tenure contributed to the structured development of the team and its players within the framework of UEFA and FIFA competitions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Aivar Lillevere?
Aivar Lillevere is a prominent Estonian football manager and a former professional football player, widely recognized for his extensive contributions to Estonian football at both club and national team levels, including youth, men's, and women's senior teams.
What teams has Aivar Lillevere managed?
Aivar Lillevere has managed several Estonian clubs, most notably multiple stints with Viljandi JK Tulevik and FC Elva. On the international stage, he has led the Estonian under-16, under-17, under-18, and under-19 national youth teams. He also served as the interim manager for the Estonia men's national team and was the head coach for the Estonia women's national team.
Did Aivar Lillevere manage the Estonian men's national team?
Yes, Aivar Lillevere managed the Estonia men's national team for a brief period in February 2000, specifically during the 2000 King's Cup tournament held in Thailand.
When did Aivar Lillevere manage the Estonia women's national team?
Aivar Lillevere was appointed manager of the Estonia women's national football team on 21 May 2008, and he continued in that role until 2012, playing a key part in the team's development during that period.