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

2024-12-25 15:40

The head coach Donatas Vencevičius, returning to the helm of "Sūduva" in Marijampolė after a 14-year hiatus, says it's nice to come back to a familiar place.

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

"First of all, I want to thank club president Vidmantas Murauskas and director Dovydas Lastauskas for their trust. It's pleasant to return to "Sūduva,” where I spent 3 wonderful years,” said D. Vencevičius during his first interview. "I remember everything positively, and I hope it will continue to be so. It wasn’t an immediate decision to take on the job at "Sūduva,” but the fact that I have worked here before made it easier.”

For now, the coach did not want to talk about the team’s future playing style, as the lineup has not yet been formed.

"There is a lot of work ahead in searching for players. Once we have the lineup, then the staff and I will shape the playing style. Although it is 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 manage to gather,” D. Vencevičius said.

Next season, Vaidas Slavickas will continue to serve as the assistant to the head coach of "Sūduva,” whom D. Vencevičius had to train himself in Marijampolė.

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

Last season, four young players (under 21) from "Sūduva” (Ernestas Burdzilauskas, Motiejus Burba, Tautvydas Burdzilauskas, and Dariušas Stankevičius) ranked first in youth playing time in the "TOPsport A league." Additionally, 9 locals from Marijampolė stepped onto the field in the elite division. The club aims to continue this direction in the future.

"We will see what the local youth can offer to the team,” the coach promised.

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