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After passing through fire and water with "Žalgiris", Mindaugas Čepas does not hide that his debut in the Europa League is a special day.
Mindaugas Čepas was ten years old when Vilnius "Žalgiris" made its debut in the UEFA club competitions in September 1988, competing against Vienna's "Austria" in the then UEFA Cup tournament.
Back then, the young Vilnius native admired the national team's game, passed balls during matches, and like many other boys, dreamed of one day wearing the "Žalgiris" shirt himself.
Now, at 33 years old, M. Čepas is an assistant coach for the VMFD "Žalgiris" team, along with Croatian Damir Petravičius, preparing the capital's team for a UEFA Europa League match against Miedling's "Admira Wacker" (Austria).
UEFA adventure
For "Žalgiris" fans, M. Čepas is more than just a member of the coaching staff. He is a symbol of the team, a connection to the history of the "green-and-white" squad. Since 2004, when he played one season for the Vilnius team before ending his football career due to health problems, M. Čepas has served various roles within "Žalgiris".
In 2005, M. Čepas, together with the current goalkeeper of the team, Marius Rapalis, who was then in reserve, became part of the history of the Vilnius team. "Žalgiris" reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Intertoto Cup. Successively defeating three opponents – a result that Lithuanian clubs have not been able to repeat in European competitions.
"We had a good team, sometimes luck was on our side. Like in life, it's not easy without it," - recalled the then club manager - "Since then, the team has fundamentally changed. Which team is stronger? I think the current one."
Rebuilding a fallen team
However, M. Čepas's most memorable role came during the most challenging period in the team's history. In 2008, the financially struggling "Žalgiris" teetered on the brink of survival for over half a year.
Employees, players, and fans who lost hope created the Vilnius Football Friendship Association (VMFD) "Žalgiris" in early 2009, and for a year played in the second-strongest Lithuanian league. Throughout that time, M. Čepas coached the players without payment.
"At that time, the only thing we could think of was how to survive, how to preserve the name of "Žalgiris" on the football map. We didn't even dream that in a few years we could play in the Europa League. Now, looking back at how far we've come, I can confidently say that nothing is impossible in life. You just need a lot of desire, faith, and will," says the coach.
Playing is easier than coaching
When the team returned to the country's football elite, the club's leaders did not forget the coach and appointed him as assistant to strategist Igor Pankratjevas. M. Čepas has been working in the role of assistant coach ever since.
However, he admits that he would prefer to be on the field. In European cup tournaments, he played several times representing three clubs – Šiauliai "Kareda", Klaipėda "Atlantas", and "Žalgiris".
"It's an invaluable experience. You represent your team and your country, have the opportunity to show yourself. But comparing playing and coaching – they are very different. It's easier to be on the field than on the sidelines," acknowledged the coach, who constantly reacts emotionally to events.
Preparing for a special day
The specialist's closest task is to prepare the team for the match on Thursday in Vilnius, at the LFF Stadium, against "Admira Wacker". According to M. Čepas, these matches will be truly unusual.
"After such a long break, we're returning to the international arena. It's a special day for all of us – the organization, fans, all football enthusiasts in Vilnius," M. Čepas said. "That's why we're preparing very responsibly for the match. The team management has provided excellent conditions, we held a camp in Poland, played several friendly matches."
According to the coach, a lot of time was devoted to tactics and analyzing the opponents. "We have sources of information in Austria, former players I have played against myself. What kind of information? I won't reveal it, so they won't be deported from the country," joked M. Čepas. "We provided players with information on how the opponents defend, attack, who their leaders are, what their strengths and weaknesses are. "Admira" plays attacking, combination, fast football."
Believing in their chances
Two newcomers joined the Vilnius team during the camp in Poland - Lithuanian defender Ramūnas Radavičius and Croatian Andro Švrjluga. "Ramūnas is a Lithuanian national team player, we expect a significant contribution from him. He has already played for "Žalgiris", so he doesn't feel uncomfortable here. Andro is also a capable player, who has been playing in the highest Croatian league for many years. We are trying him in the right-back position," said M. Čepas.
Asked about the team's chances, "Žalgiris" assistant coach was optimistic: "I think our chances are equal. A lot will depend on the first match - how we play at home. It's very important not to concede a goal on our field and achieve a positive result. So I invite the people of Vilnius to cheer for the city's representative team. We are not only fighting for Vilnius but also for Lithuanian football as a whole. We will do our best not to disappoint."
In 1988, "Žalgiris" lost to the Austrians 4-5 in two matches. This time, the Vilnius team is not favored either, but even in case of failure, M. Čepas and his company could be proud. The name of "Žalgiris" has not disappeared, but is once again visible on the map of European football.
