© EuroFootball.com
Concentration, vigilance, focus - these qualities were mentioned by the head coach and players of "Ekranas", which will be important in Saturday's match against Vilnius City Football League (VMFD) "Žalgiris".
In the fifth round of "General Financing A League", the teams separated by three points will meet, and the price of victory is the leader position in the championship. According to goalkeeper Mantas Savėnas, the country's champions, Panevėžio "Ekranas" are preparing for the match as always, intensely and with all their strength. Midfielder Marko Andelkovič expects that the league favorite will demonstrate good football for the top position on Saturday. Head coach Valdas Urbonas respectfully commented on the upcoming opponents, but according to him, "Ekranas" has no weak points and, of course, will strive to win the match.
"Ekranas" goalkeeper Mantas Savėnas: "We are preparing for the match as for any other, the opponent now is "Žalgiris", who currently holds the first position, Saturday will come and we will see how prepared we are. Not only our, but also the opponents' moods will be fierce. Against every opponent the mood of the team is competitive, it is natural.
We are preparing to play against the whole team, not highlighting any particular player. The opponent now is "Žalgiris", before every match the team prepares intensively, this time is no exception."
"Ekranas" midfielder Marko Andelkovič: "Saturday's match is like a derby. Currently "Žalgiris" is at the top, their club and "Ekranas" are among the championship favorites, I hope for very good matches, good football for the top position.
I think "Žalgiris" is a good team, they have good defenders, good attackers, a lot is said by the fact that they have not yet lost points. We must concentrate on defense when "Žalgiris" has set-piece situations. If we concentrate to the maximum, we will not have problems."
"Ekranas" head coach Valdas Urbonas: "Berger's new scheduling system brought innovations, it is unusual in the beginning of the championship to meet teams declaring one of the highest goals. The loss to "Sūduva" was like a cold shower for us.
Looking forward to Saturday's match against a team that has not lost points. We will try to win and hope to win. I had the chance to watch the matches of "Žalgiris" against "Kruoja", against "Sūduva". Although the result of their last match is hopeless and catastrophic, the game and the statistical data are not as bad as the result reflects. However, we need to pay attention to those moments, those set-piece situations that "Žalgiris" took advantage of, apparently giving their all. We need to think about that.
I believe that the playing style of "Žalgiris" has not changed much since the times of Igor Pankratjevo and Vitalijus Stankevičius coaching. I see that the team plays with an accent on one forward. It must be acknowledged that Eliotas not only scored goals but also stands out with his game. He is a forward who puts pressure on defenders, does a lot of dirty work, especially dangerous in the penalty area and on set-piece situations. Without a doubt, we will need to take a closer look at those moments, I believe we will be able to neutralize this player, who is truly the savior in "Žalgiris". Yes, "Žalgiris" is a good team, but we have our own recipes, our own preparation, our own excellent players, the team is assembled so that we do not face difficulties in forming the lineup. We will strive to play our game. Those matches will require greater concentration and more vigilance," - said the team strategist after training.
Remember, the match will be played on April 7th at 4 pm, at the Panevėžys Football Academy Stadium (Smėlynės g. 2b)."
