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After the match between "Sūduva" and "Žalgiris" in the "General Financing A League," a press conference was held with the participation of the hosts' coach Virginijus Liubšys, the guest coach Damiras Petravičius, the goalkeeper Armantas Vitkauskas, who played a great match, and "Sūduva's" midfielder Nerijus Radžius.
"Sūduva's" head coach V. Liubšys said after the game: "We played well in the first half, we were better than the opponents. Except for the shot by M. Grgurovičius from 30 meters hitting the crossbar, they didn't have any other chances to score. We didn't score, we lacked sporting luck. Also, A. Vitkauskas did miracles, he saved the team in 3-4 episodes. Thanks to him, "Žalgiris" kept the score even. Considering the course of the match, I am not satisfied with the result," said the strategist.
The coach regretted that today two foreign players of the team could not play, and the quality of the referees' work was questionable: "We missed two foreigners. C. Thomson would be very dangerous in all set-piece situations in such weather. In the second half, we lacked strength. "Žalgiris" released two capable players, and we didn't have full-fledged substitutions. At some moments, "Žalgiris" had the initiative, but today we deserved to win. In some episodes, the referee treated the situation very interestingly. Tomorrow we will look at the recording and see if mistakes were made."
The hero of the match, A. Vitkauskas, said after the game that the achieved result is not the worst option: "The match was difficult. In the first half, "Sūduva" had the initiative, created chances. The second half was better for us, we managed to keep the ball - we started playing football. I think the substitutions were justified. Of course, we didn't drive for a draw but for three points, but I could say that this is not the worst option."
Former "Sūduva" goalkeeper admitted that playing in Marijampolė brings back memories: "It's a strange feeling to play in Marijampolė. There are still strong emotions because I grew up in this city, in this team. Playing against "Sūduva" added extra motivation. Knowing the opponents well didn't make the game easier."
Marijampolė team's defender N. Radžius spoke at the press conference: "I think we started well. In the first half, we created chances, but failed to convert them. "Žalgiris" dominated more than us in the second part of the match. Maybe we got tired, maybe we tried too hard to keep the goal empty. R. Ledesma and C. Thomson were missing, as they are high-skilled players who can change the game with individual actions. However, those players who were on the field today really did not disappoint - they tried, they fought."
Asked what he discussed with "Žalgiris" defender Andrius Skerla after the match, the player answered: "After the match, I discussed the penalty kick with A. Skerla. From my position, I saw that the hand was played. The referee didn't notice it, but nothing will change. Referees are people and they also make mistakes. As they say, about referees either bad or nothing (smiles)."
Comment from "Žalgiris" head coach Petravičius on the match: "It was a tough match. In the first half, "Sūduva" was the better team, but in the second half, "Žalgiris" was better. We were lucky that the goalkeeper A. Vitkauskas played so well. Today he stopped all the shots. A draw is a fair result."
