M. Palionis appointed as the coach of 'Ekranas'

2024-12-29 17:18

The head coach of the team for the upcoming season has been appointed to be Panevėžys native Markus Palionis. A football player who moved to Germany to live in his early youth, he played in various youth academies and was part of the "Bayern Munich" system during the period from 2002 to 2005.

Later, he continued his professional career at clubs such as "Wacker Burgausen", "Dynamo Dresden", "SC Paderborn" and "Regensburg". The central defender played 14 official matches for the Lithuanian national men's team.

After ending his professional career, Markus worked as an assistant coach at the German clubs "Regensburg" and "Hansa Rostock" (2. Bundesliga) for the past few years.

We invite you to get to know Markus Palionis better:

Many Lithuanian football fans remember you more as a player, and by no means know you as a coach. What encouraged you to start coaching and what path have you already traveled as a coach?

Everything happened very quickly. When I decided to end my professional football career, I immediately received an offer to be the head coach's assistant at the same football club (Regensburg) where I played. Since I never wanted to part ways with football, I accepted the offer without much hesitation.

How did you find out and what encouraged you to accept the offer from Panevėžys "Ekranas" to take the head coach position?

For some time, my family and I had been planning to return to Lithuania. In November, I unexpectedly received a call from the club's director Tomas with an offer to coach the club. Since I was free at that moment, it was a great opportunity to accept the offer.

How would you describe your coaching style, the style of play you promote, and your priorities in player development?

I promote intense, attacking, and active football. The most important priorities in player development are daily discipline, full dedication to the team and the club for the common goal. These values will be instilled every day. I consider every team member important, so every individual will receive great attention.

Will Panevėžys "Ekranas" become a team of the German football style?

This will not be specifically a German style team, but I will bring my style and values that I have gained while living, playing, and coaching teams in Germany. I hope this will be reflected in the team, the club itself, and in each player individually.

In the new season, "Ekranas" plans to form the team's core from young Lithuanians, supplemented by ambitious legionnaires beginning their careers in Europe... What can such a team achieve in the new season? Is this more for the long-term vision and perspective of the club?

The main goal is the growth and development of the team, the club, and the players. When the final team formation and overall functioning is completed, we will see how this will reflect on the league table. This is not a one-year project; everything is for the sake of a long-term perspective.

Recently, you personally spoke with a few young Lithuanian players who either played for "Ekranas" last season or are vying for a spot in the team. What impression did their motivation and understanding of football leave? Can you compare their mindset and pursuit of goals with their peers in Germany of a similar age?

For me personally, motivation, determination, loyalty, and knowing what they want to achieve are very important. After talking to a few players, I got the impression that they possess these qualities and willingly embraced my vision and the projected outline of the team. I am very eager to work with such players.

What can the players of "Ekranas" expect from their head coach in the new season with Markus Palionis at the helm?

I will be very demanding and a coach with a very high level of discipline. My greatest value in football is courage. Players can make mistakes with me, but fighting, running, falling, and giving their all is a choice for every footballer. Regardless of the circumstances - this will be my biggest requirement.

And what kind of coach can the blue-red fans expect?

One with high identification and complete dedication to the club. Undoubtedly, every fan will hear me! (smiles the coach).

Your festive wishes to "Ekranas" fans and community members.

I wish the fans to return healthy and energized to support us in our new season. See you at the football stadiums!

The head coach will start his work only after the New Year, when he will join the team for the first training sessions and prepare for the series of friendly matches. The start of the LFF First League is scheduled for March.