D. Vencevičius: 'It's nice to return to 'Sūduva', where I spent 3 wonderful years'

2024-12-25 11:16

After a 14-year break, the head coach Donatas Vencevičius has returned to the helm of "Sūduva" in Marijampolė and says it feels good to be back in a familiar place.

The 51-year-old D. Vencevičius was the assistant to the head coach of "Sūduva" in 2008 and 2009, and in 2010 he coached the team himself. Under his leadership, "Sūduva" became the Lithuanian vice-champion for the second time in the club's history and reached the finals of the Baltic League, where they only lost in a penalty shoot-out.

"First of all, I want to thank the club president Vidmantas Murauskas and director Dovydas Lastauskas for their trust. It's nice to return to "Sūduva", where I spent 3 great years,” D. Vencevičius said in his first interview. "I remember everything positively; I hope it will continue to be so. The decision to take the job at "Sūduva" did not come immediately, but it was eased by the fact that I have worked here before.”

The coach did not want to discuss the future playing style of the team yet, as the squad has not yet been formed.

"There is a lot of work ahead in searching for players. Once we have the squad, we will then outline the playing style with the staff. Although it's clear that we want to play with the ball, that is the essence of football. But everything will depend on the preparation for the season and the players we are able to gather,” said D. Vencevičius.

Next season, the position of assistant head coach of "Sūduva" will continue to be held by Vaidas Slavickas, who D. Vencevičius himself had the chance to coach in Marijampolė.

"Vaidas knows "Sūduva," knows Marijampolė, but we are also looking for more people, locals from Marijampolė,” said the football specialist.

In the last season, four young players (under 21) from "Sūduva" (Ernestas Burdzilauskas, Motiejus Burba, Tautvydas Burdzilauskas, and Dariušas Stankevičius) ranked first in terms of playing time in the "TOPsport A league." Additionally, nine players from Marijampolė took to the field in the elite division. The club would like to continue in this direction in the future.

"We will see what local young talent can bring to the team,” promised the coach.

"Sūduva" has already planned a cycle of friendly matches ahead of the 2025 season, and the players will gather for their first training session on January 8.