Newcomer of the National Team E. Gudelevičius: 'I accept advice and try to internalize them'

2024-06-17 10:00 © lff.lt

Ernestas Gudelevičius received his first invitation to the national Lithuanian men's team in June.

However, he has not made his debut yet, but the coaches were satisfied with his work during the camp.

"Maybe I needed some time to get used to it, being in the men's team for the first time. When I received the coach's call, I was at home, it was really pleasant and a good surprise.

I remember the first training session, Modestas Vorobjovas approached me after the first exercise, immediately gave advice, and I really accept them and try to absorb them. It's not like I'm fully immersed in men's football yet, it really takes time, but I think it will only get better with time and there will be more opportunities in the national team," the defender spoke about his first time in the team.

He made a strong impact in March when he and the U19 team defeated France 2-0 in the elite round of the European Championship qualifiers, with E. Gudelevičius scoring both goals.

"The first ten minutes when both goals were scored were very fast, our coach talked to us before the match and said that they might be a little relaxed. We unexpectedly attacked them and scored two goals, it was really a good match. The first half was kind of average, in the second we held the result," the player recalled.

He has been improving for the past few years with the "Fiorentina" team in Italy and is patiently waiting for his opportunity in the first team.

"The team recently changed the coach, so I don't know, maybe there will be a debut in the 'Serie A' championship, it depends on the coach and the club itself, how they will look at the situation. There are young players already attached to the first team.

I definitely want to stay in the team longer, I've been here for three years, I feel really good, so I'll try to hang on here and play in the Italian championship," the new member of the team spoke about his plans.

He said he maintains a relationship with Gvidas Gineičius, who is successfully establishing himself in Italy.

"We met with him in Kaunas, I can even take some advice from him on how to hold on in the first team and play at this level," E. Gudelevičius smiled.