J.Zagurskas: "We lost focus in the last two games

2024-01-06 15:18 © lff.lt

Impressively starting the season with crushing results and victories, "Kauno Žalgiris" switched to a lower gear. Although points were won in matches against VIP before New Year and in the first matches of 2024 against "Akmenės kraštas", both outcomes could have turned the other way.

"I wouldn't say that we played worse, there just weren't a few team players. Our last two league matches were not bad for our team, we just lacked players in rotation.

And after the matches themselves, we felt great, although the feeling was certainly a bit different than after the previous victories. We had tough and stubborn matches, and victories in such matches are truly more enjoyable," recalled Kaunas team captain Justinas Zagurskas.

Do you have an answer to what you did wrong that opponents were aiming to take points away?

The answer is simple: a loss of concentration at certain moments. We are to blame for that. Lately, we were really focused, but in these last two matches (perhaps due to fatigue) we would lose concentration and give opponents chances.

Can it be said that the actions of that answer were demonstrated in the cup matches against the "Vikings"?

I think so. We were focused throughout the entire match and the result shows it.

This Saturday you face the VIP barrier. How did the team change with the addition of Genaras Samsonikas and Jonas Ulberkis?

It's hard to say. Only one match has been played when they were on the court together, but they definitely strengthened the team. Will the team have played together with them? That's another question.

What do you have to do differently to avoid a repeat of the December 29 scenario (meaning, a fairly close fight)?

Execute chances better, work better defensively, be focused throughout the entire match.

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In the 14th round, "Kauno Žalgiris" will face VIP, while "VGTU Vilkai" will have a match with "Radviliškis", "Hegelmann" will play against "Gargždų pramogos", "Vikingai" against "Akmenės kraštas", and "Kėdainiai United" will face "Bruklinas".