Kaunas Žalgiris futsal team's coach Dentinho: 'Every award reflects the efforts of the entire team'

2025-02-06 11:10 © lff.lt

In the 2024 TOPsport Lithuanian Football Awards, two members of the "Kauno Žalgiris" futsal team were honored. Albertas Voskunovičius was named the best futsal player in Lithuania, while the award for the best futsal coach working in the country was received by "Kauno Žalgiris" head coach Dentinho.

For the second consecutive year, A. Voskunovičius, who defended the title of best futsal player, stated that such recognition motivates him to further improve and reach new heights in his chosen career path. "Last year, after receiving this award, I mentioned that it fulfilled my childhood dream – to become the best. This year, holding the award in my hands, I could hardly believe that I am worthy of this title for the second year in a row," shared A. Voskunovičius. "I believe that both Artūras Juchno and Deividas Reimaris were deserving of this nomination, but now I have to prove once again that I am worthy of this award."

A. Voskunovičius mentioned that the "Kauno Žalgiris" team helped him grow as a futsal player. According to him, without the support of his teammates and coaches, winning this nomination would not have been possible.

The Žalgiris player represents not only the "Kauno Žalgiris" team, but also the Lithuanian futsal national team, so this year, he says he will focus most on preparing for the 2026 UEFA European Futsal Championship.

"I am trying to dedicate all my strength and efforts to the upcoming European futsal championship. This is an important moment for every Lithuanian futsal player, so we must work every day to achieve the best results. This award for the best futsal player provides even more motivation and determination to pursue that," A. Voskunovičius said.

For the first time, the best futsal coach working in Lithuania was chosen at the Lithuanian Football Awards. Upon receiving this award, "Kauno Žalgiris" head coach Dentinho stated that being awarded this honor was a great privilege, as it is the first award of its kind in the country.

"This award is a great indication that futsal is rapidly growing in Lithuania, and I truly take pride in being a part of this growth. Reflecting on my four seasons spent in Lithuania, all the victories and achievements with the team, this award for the best futsal coach in the country holds even greater significance for me, and I am extremely grateful for it," said the team's strategist.

Dentinho echoed A. Voskunovičius's sentiment that without the team players, coaching staff, and club administration, such awards would not be attainable. According to the coach, every personal achievement in sports is a team effort.

"Winning individual trophies is always an extraordinary honor, but in all of sports, such individual achievements are not separate. Each award reflects the collective efforts, dedication, and unity of the entire team. These awards for Albert and me belong to the whole team," shared the thoughts of the Žalgiris coach.

The "Kauno Žalgiris" team is set to face their final regular season match of the TOPsport futsal A league this weekend. The undefeated Žalgiris team will welcome their capital city opponents, VGTU "Vilkus," on February 9 at 12 PM at the Kaunas Sports Hall.