© EuroFootball.com
Last Sunday, the head coach of the national team, Raimondas Žutautas, who has experience playing in Israel and knows what Israeli football is like, met at the "Aukštaitija" stadium.
The national team strategist shared his thoughts on the upcoming match between Panevėžio "Ekrano" and Tel Aviv FC "Hapoel".
"It will be hot in Israel, with a very humid climate, it will be difficult to acclimatize. But I don't think it will be a decisive factor. After all, it's a fight between two games," the specialist said.
"Hapoel" team is very interesting, very technical, not liking to be without the ball. It is important to try to control the ball ourselves, so that they run away, get tired physically, and then "Ekranas" would have more opportunities," he continued.
And he continued: "As far as I have seen the last Israeli championship, no matter how it may be, it is of a higher level than Lithuania, I can say that it won't be easy. But these are cup competitions, two games. I wish "Ekranas" only to move on to the next stage and make a sensation for Lithuania. If everyone is healthy, and the team is at its peak, anything can happen: "Ekranas" is a smart, experienced team. They will need to play smarter. I think the coaches will make the right decisions, put together the right lineup, with the right players who will decide the outcome of the match."
"Hapoel" defender Bevana Fransman expected a tough battle: "I've watched a few videos, two matches with the "Ekrano" team. The team has capable players, demonstrating disciplined play, I think we have an interesting match ahead.
Every match is different. Of course, these are not league matches, it's an exclusive tournament for club teams, the Europa League. Both teams will give their all in the matches and hope for a favorable result.
The pitch quality here is good, we will try to play our usual game, make a lot of low passes. I think that's our strong point. The weather is good for football here, it's not too hot, it's better to play when it's plus eighteen, than 38 degrees."
The duel between "Ekranas" and "Hapoel" will take place on Thursday at 19:00 in Panevėžys. Live broadcast on "Lietuvos rytas" television channel.
