Knight's" Debutant P. Katinas: "The most important thing is to strive and believe

In the Sunday match against Vilnius „Žalgiris“ in the 77th minute, Rokas Filipavičius was replaced by Povilas Katinas, for whom it was his first appearance in the „Optibet A league“ match. The 21-year-old defender was close to making his debut marked by a goal just a few minutes later.

„It's a very nice feeling, considering that I grew up in the „Žalgiris“ academy, I used to assist in passing the ball during „Žalgiris“ matches, and now I played in them myself. An incredible feeling“, says P. Katinas after his debut.

Were you very nervous when the coach invited you closer and you realized that it was happening right now?

I felt like in a normal match. I didn't pay much attention, but when I went out on the field, I tried to help the team as much as I could. It was only after the match that I realized that I played my first A league match against the multiple-time Lithuanian champion. For that, I am very grateful to coach Matthew.

How difficult is it to step onto the field when the team is in a trailing role?

Of course, it is difficult to step onto the field when you are losing, but if the team does not give up, everything is possible. The most important thing is to try and believe until the referee announces the end of the match.

There are several matches left to play this season. What do you expect from them?

I don't expect much. The time will come. And then I hope for more playing time in the main lineup.

What does a young player gain from a dozen minutes in the „Optibet A league”?

Every minute in the top league is very important for a young player because that's when you gain experience, confidence, and courage. Later, of course, you want more minutes and then you try even harder in training.

At the same time, you demand more from yourself. Personally, I would like to take more responsibility when I feel I can. Of course, more playing time wouldn't hurt either.