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VMFD "Žalgiris" head coach Damiras Petravičius positively assesses the performance of his players in the first round of the A League and in the Lithuanian Football Cup.
Recently, after the conclusion of the first round of the A League and approaching the LFF Cup final, Vilnius city football club "Žalgiris" head coach Damiras Petravičius analyzed the performance of his players and other Lithuanian teams, highlighting the main differences between the highest football leagues of Croatia and Lithuania. The strategist also talked about his adaptation process in our country.
How do you evaluate the team's performance in the first round of the "General Financing A League" and the LFF Cup?
I evaluate the team's performance in the first round of the "General Financing A League" and the LFF Cup positively. In the A League, we lost points only twice, and in the cup matches, we reached the final. This is not a bad result. When assessing individual matches, as a negative outcome, I would only point out the lost match to Panevėžys "Ekranas". In that match, we played really poorly and didn't deserve a win, but towards the end of the game, we took the initiative and created chances. We wanted to at least salvage a draw, but failed. We also lost points in the match against "Šiauliai," but I view the end of that match positively because we managed to come back twice after conceding goals. In other matches, we played better or worse, but achieved victories. I am glad that our sporting form is improving.
Is holding the second place in the league table at the beginning of the second round a consistent result?
Yes, I think so. We try in each match and usually secure victories.
The same applies to Panevėžys "Ekranas," who currently holds the top spot, having made one less mistake than us. We must constantly be on their heels and wait for the first opportunity to return to the first place. It should be noted that all teams play against us and "Ekranas" with double energy and desire to win, so sooner or later the champions will also lose points.
During the season, the former Lithuanian national team defender Andrius Skerla joined the team. What has changed with his arrival?
Andrius is a high-level footballer who makes good decisions on the field. He is still feeling the effects of injuries, so his physical capabilities are quite limited, but this is temporary as his fitness is visibly improving. The arrival of this player to our team has allowed me to rotate defenders more frequently. I'm sure you've noticed that with Andrius coming in, there is always rotation between him, Luka Peričius, and Algirdas Jankauskas in the defense. As a coach, this greatly helps me prepare for matches.
What do you think about the Lithuanian players playing for "Žalgiris"?
As most people interested in "Žalgiris" know, I came to Lithuania from the top Croatian football league. When my coaches back home found out that I would be coaching a Lithuanian team, they said that I wouldn't find high-level players in it. Now I can say that they were wrong. The Lithuanian players in the main "Žalgiris" team do not lag behind Croatian league players in their skill. Of course, I am not talking about the top three teams.
What impression do the young team players leave on you?
They are all talented and hard-working players who can one day become prominent figures in Lithuanian or foreign football clubs. This is their good side. When it comes to the shortcomings of these players, the first thing to mention is that they often come into professional football without adequate tactical preparation. In other words, they lack good football basics. In Lithuanian football schools, too little attention is paid to tactical preparation and fundamentals training. In this aspect, Lithuanians are lagging behind Croatia, where every young player who comes to a top-league professional club can successfully perform the tasks assigned to them right away without much effort. For this reason, young Lithuanian footballers need more time to demonstrate a more mature game at the professional level.
You have been coaching the "Žalgiris" team for almost half a year. What can you say about it?
It is a very competitive team that gives its all and has a strong character. Players stepping onto the field always play for victory. Because of these qualities, "Žalgiris" is loved by many people in Lithuania.
What impression did the teams playing in the highest league in Lithuania leave on you?
When I arrived in Lithuania, everyone said that this year the highest football league in Lithuania is significantly stronger than in previous years. Personally, I was most impressed and most impressed by the teams with which we will have to compete for top spots. These are Panevėžys "Ekranas" and Marijampolė "Sūduva".
I am not saying that other teams are weak, as you have seen how we struggled with teams in the middle of the league table at times. In Lithuania, you always have to be prepared for a fight because every opponent strives to give their all. Examples are not hard to find. In the last A League round, the underdog Klaipėda "Atlantas" fought us to the end and lost only 1-0. It took a lot of effort to achieve that victory. I also remember the match against Vilnius "REO" team. The opponents' players ignored both injuries and muscle soreness. They did everything they could to win at least a point. When playing against such teams, it is extremely important not to break down in difficult moments and show a strong character.
Were you surprised by the game of the main rivals of "Žalgiris" - Panevėžys "Ekranas"?
Not at all. They are a well-balanced team that surpasses most of their competitors not only in skill but also in experience. However, I couldn't say that the level of skill of this team is significantly higher than that of Marijampolė "Sūduva" or our team. In my opinion, "Ekranas" does not play the same type of football as "Sūduva" or us. "Ekranas" often scores one or two quick goals and simply pulls back from opponents. "Sūduva" and "Žalgiris" always, regardless of the result, seek to press opponents, pass the ball more among teammates, and achieve the maximum result. The final results of the matches between these three teams should be determined throughout the season by who starts the match or, more precisely, who scores the first goal.
In the first semifinal of the LFF Cup, we scored the first goal against the Marijampolė team and won. In the return leg, everything was different. We lost to "Ekranas" with the same scenario.
What makes the highest Croatian football league superior to Lithuania's?
In my opinion, everything. In Croatia, there are players of a very high level who surpass the average Lithuanian players both in physical and technical abilities. As mentioned earlier, only the best Lithuanian players playing in Lithuania corroborate the level of Croatian football. The overall level of football in Lithuania is quite high, so neither you nor other countries should think that the "General Financing A League" is poor.
Have you already gotten used to living in Lithuania?
Yes, everything is great now. I have become accustomed to the local people and climate, but it wasn't as easy as it may seem when I first arrived. Throughout my career, I have worked or played in various countries and cities around the world, but each time I arrived in a new place, I faced different challenges. In Lithuania, I was least prepared for the severe cold. I did not have enough warm clothes or shoes with me. Psychologically, I was also not prepared for such harsh weather. I remember waking up on winter mornings and seeing local people warmly dressed from head to toe. Five months have passed since then. Now I enjoy the warm weather and feel much better. The process of acclimatization and adaptation is over.
