G. Matulevičius: "The championship title was determined by the good atmosphere we created in the locker room."

2024-11-11 14:52 © E. Žaldario

After the end of the 2024 season, Žalgiris players spoke about one of the main reasons for their success, which brought the championship title back to Vilnius, being the good team atmosphere.

Before the season, many players changed in the Žalgiris squad. In total, 12 newcomers arrived, including midfielder Giedrius Matulevičius and defender Myroslav Mazuras from Ukraine.

"The championship title was determined by the fact that we created a good atmosphere in the locker room and fulfilled the tactical plans of the coach, which really brought a lot of benefits on the field. I think we rightfully and confidently were the best team of this season," evaluated G. Matulevičius.

"I am very happy with the championship title. It is an achievement of all – the coaches and the staff. The title we earned is really important to me. For some players, it was the first. For me, it is the second. But I was not a champion; I was only a winner of the Ukrainian first league. I am proud of everyone in the team. I want to thank the fans from the team. Even in the last matches [in Telšiai], they came to support us. It means a lot to us," said M. Mazuras. "This season was successful for us because we were a team. It was felt everywhere – on the field, off it, in the locker room, and near it. There was a really good atmosphere, and everyone helped each other. We supported one another. No matter how it was, we all stayed together. That was the most important thing."

According to G. Matulevičius, the hardest part was the beginning of the season: "Just before the end of the preparation, many new players arrived, and we needed to integrate. We were truly a new team. A lot of information was needed; we were looking for that game. We played really intensively. At the very beginning, it was every three days. The most important thing was to collect those points. That period was the hardest, but then, when we gained momentum and caught our game rhythm, everything became easier."

M. Mazuras singled out the time during the summer, just after being eliminated from the UEFA Conference League: "That was a painful moment. We played for a large part of the match in Cyprus without one player. We played well, reached extra time. And unfortunately, we lost. But I saw the enthusiasm in everyone's eyes. Everyone gave their best. After the match, it was hard psychologically. Then we returned to the championship. There was only one thought in mind – we must be champions. We did not make it to the groups, but we must be champions. We wanted to earn the right to play in the Champions League."

For both newcomers, the season unfolded unevenly – G. Matulevičius was regularly in the starting lineup, while M. Mazuras usually appeared on the field as a substitute or when one of the central defenders was unable to play.

"It was truly a very good season. I am happy that I contributed to the team with both goals and assists. I managed to integrate well because I knew some players from having played together on other teams and the coaches. This made everything a bit easier. Overall, the good atmosphere in the locker room helped everyone fit well into the team," emphasized G. Matulevičius.

"Personally, it was really not easy. In my mind, I always want to be the first on the field. Every time I fight in training, but the decision is up to the coach. I cannot change that; the coach decides who will play. I can only do my best in training. And also in matches when I have the opportunity. It was hard. But I am a fighter; I never lower my head," said M. Mazuras.

A significant portion of the goals were created by the Lithuanian trio of midfielders – alongside G. Matulevičius, Ovidijus Verbickas and Paulius Golubickas positioned closer to the attacking line.

"It was really fun to play because I know both Ovidijus and Paulius; we have already played together. That really helps a lot on the field. Sometimes we didn't even need to talk. We know where to position ourselves, what to do, and how to help each other," Giedrius said.