The Lithuanian national men's football team is returning to the international arena after a three-month break and preparing for an important match. Edgaras Jankauskas' team continues the fight for qualification to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, as reported by lrytas.lt.
The Lithuanians are sharpening their weapons and making plans to defeat the solidly playing Slovakian team in front of their own spectators.
During a press conference on Tuesday morning, E. Jankauskas shared his thoughts on the upcoming match, stating that all players are healthy but their physical preparedness is not equal. The team's leader promised to put in all efforts to achieve a positive result.
- Most Slovakians have finished their championships, while most of our players are still playing. Is this an advantage?
- They are in a similar situation to us. Their players have also recently finished or are still playing in championships. A week without football does not diminish athletic form. All teams face similar problems.
- Are you preparing to do something different than in previous matches?
- We want to introduce some innovations. Not because of negative results, which do not reflect the situation. We need new ideas, thoughts, to have more options, ideas in attacks. We need to avoid mistakes. I believe our mastery should be greater in the current moments.
- What are the losses?
- We have losses due to injuries and cards, but there are other players who have arrived and are ready with them. It is much worse when players who are invited are not in form. They must maintain their form throughout the season. This is the most important moment in a footballer's life. The lives of football players are privileged. Their working day is ninety minutes. They can spend a lot of time on leisure, but should not abuse it, but make good use of that time.
- Do you analyze the Slovakian game?
- They will never give up their playing principles. Slovaks have previously shown excellently that where we don't let them play, they find other spaces. If their favorite path is closed, they find other paths. They are a universal team and we need to be fully prepared against them. They are not afraid to take risks, so even playing at home will be very difficult.
lrytas.lt
