© EuroFootball.com
Recently, in the beginning of the 2012 football season, the former goalkeeper Tadas Simaitis is no longer a part of the "Šiauliai" team. The 21-year-old footballer clashed fists with the Romanian champions Galați "Oțelul" team a month ago. "The team is top-level. Everything is great: conditions, administration, players," shared the goalkeeper.
Not afraid of competition
– So, did you expect an offer from "Oțelul"?
– My agent was looking for a club abroad. I hoped that some team would be interested in me. "Oțelul" invited me for a trial. It suits me in every aspect.
– How did the trial go?
– It was quite long. I participated in two camps. The first one was in Spain, the second one – in Turkey. I tried to show what I can do and the coaches were satisfied. I signed the contract during the second camp in Turkey.
– Is there a lot of competition in the team?
– I have to compete with two experienced and very good goalkeepers. They have both played for many years in the top Romanian and other strong leagues. I am not afraid of competition. It will help me improve.
Life has changed
– How did you settle in Galați?
– Initially, I lived in a hotel. Later, I got a very good apartment in a new building, where about 80% of the team's players live. The living conditions are really good.
– Perhaps "Oțelul" is a stepping stone in your career?
– I would like "Oțelul" to be that. However, we can talk about future plans later.
– You studied at Šiauliai University. What about your studies?
– I am a second-year sports management student. I will try to continue my studies online. If it is too difficult, I will try to take academic leave and continue my studies in the future.
– Will your girlfriend Erika live with you?
– Erika is currently finishing her studies at Šiauliai University. In the summer, she will come to Galați and will be able to live with me.
Left Klaipėda
– A few years ago, you participated in trials with other Romanian teams, Bucharest "Dinamo" and "Steaua". Why did you not stay?
– I was in the "Dinamo" trials for a few days, and in "Steaua" trials for longer. The latter team offered me to stay in the reserve team. However, at that time I was an eleven-year-old. I wanted to finish school. Besides, the conditions in the reserve team were not the best. I went to "Steaua" after finishing school, but I was no longer needed by the changed coaching staff. Now I believe that rejecting the offer from "Steaua" was the right step.
– In the 2011 season, you shone in Šiauliai. What determined your success?
– The fact that I played a lot of matches at the end of the season had the most influence. In each match, I gained invaluable experience, and my game improved. I think that until then, I lacked experience in A league matches.
– You represented "Šiauliai" for several years. How would you evaluate the seasons you spent here?
– They were all different. Everything went well at the beginning. I made my debut in official matches at the age of 17. After a year, I played eight matches in the A league. I evaluate that season positively. The 2010 season was very mediocre. I only played three matches, and I could not prove to the coaches that I could be the main goalkeeper. I spent almost the whole year on the bench. I consider last season the best in my career. I managed to show what I am capable of. Due to the work in 2011 training sessions and successful performance in matches, I am now in a high-level club.
– You are from Klaipėda. Why did you choose Šiauliai?
– There was nowhere to stay. I knew that if I didn't leave, my football career would perish, like many other talented Klaipeda residents. The port city always raised and educates some of the best young players in Lithuania, but they have nowhere to go. Footballers are invited by the National Football Academy or other Lithuanian clubs. However, many talented players remain in Klaipėda, where football is struggling. Unfortunately, I cannot say anything positive about the port city's teams. It is very sad.
– Was it difficult to adapt in Šiauliai?
– I was invited to Šiauliai by one of the former coaches of the Napoli football club, Saulius Lesnickas. It wasn't difficult to adapt because I arrived in a team of peers. Everything was great.
Goalkeepers everyday life
– Why did you choose football and decided to become a goalkeeper?
– I chose football because of my brother. He attended training sessions and was a good goalkeeper. I wanted that too. Initially, I was a player, but after a few years, I tried to be a goalkeeper. It went well, and I became a goalkeeper. It is a pity that my talented goalkeeper brother had to choose a different path due to the poor football situation in Klaipėda.
– Can it be said that the goalkeeper sometimes represents half of the team?
– I think that if the team does not have a reliable goalkeeper, it will never achieve good results.
– Which qualities do you consider the strongest?
– I am physically strong enough, I have an exceptional catching technique. But I need to improve my footwork. This was emphasized by the coach at "Oțelul." Everything needs to be improved. Athletes must improve their game throughout their career to take it to the highest level possible. Moreover, a footballer's career is not long.
– Do you need to get used to goalkeeping gloves?
– I suggest everyone to try catching the ball with and without gloves. You should feel the obvious difference.
