Future coach of the Lithuanian national football team Edgaras Jankauskas spoke publicly for the first time about his goals and expectations in his new position. In the LRT show "The Right to Know," he, along with other representatives of Lithuanian football, discussed the situation in the country's football.
E.Jankauskas, who defeated five competitors in the battle for the coaching position, admitted that his new responsibilities will be a great challenge.
Meanwhile, the general director of the Lithuanian Football Federation (LFF) Edvinas Eimontas had to withstand criticism from Algimantas Liubinskas, Vytautas Radzevičius, and Tautvydas Vencevičius on the show.
On the other hand, E.Jankauskas hoped that political games before the LFF presidential elections would not affect the national team players: "Muddy waters should not touch the players. They come to represent our country honorably. I know the attention will reach them, but I would like it not to have a negative impact on them."
"Our job is different – on the field. With good results, we can lift the team out of the deadlock it has been in for several years. Lithuania has never been a super football country. By combining our strengths and the experience of people who really want to help football, the level might rise," said E.Jankauskas.
The future national team coach admitted that the problem lies in the training of young footballers.
"We only see the final result – the national team. But children mature longer. In our top league, there are players who lack basic fundamentals. There have been errors in coaching methods for a long time, perhaps coaches are not paid enough. Step by step, the results will be visible," E.Jankauskas hoped.
Former national team coach A.Liubinskas questioned the activities of LFF and the appointment of the new national team coach.
"Edgaras was appointed by a new coaching council. Such a thing has not happened in 26 years, but suddenly it did. It's a game. Rumors have been circulating for a long time that E.Jankauskas will be the coach, and it was decided. The coaching council is just a farce," A.Liubinskas observed.
According to the expert, the new LFF president is already clear and known to the federation, but E.Eimontas did not engage in provocations.
"The president will be elected by LFF members," the general director replied.
15min.lt
