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"According to Futbolo.TV tournament expert and former Lithuanian national team footballer Gražvydas Mikulėnas, the A League leaves a dual impression – from very good to very bad.
"In Marijampolė, Panevėžys, Alytus, the conditions are ideal, with excellent stadiums. Even teams from Poland come to train in the capital of Suvalkija. However, I was at the 'Reo'-'Sūduva' match at the 'Žalgiris' stadium. I had enough strength to last 45 minutes. No toilets, no opportunity to buy coffee... You have to carry even your own toilet paper, wanting to clean a dirty and broken chair," evaluated G. Mikulėnas.
He represented the honor of the Lithuanian national team from 1997 to 2003. "We assess the level of competition in the A League based on the performance in European-level matches. We can only boast about 'Ekranas'. After defeating an Irish team, they will face a royal club – 'Anderlecht' from Brussels," rejoiced G. Mikulėnas.
He had higher expectations from 'Kruoja' and 'Sūduva'. However, G. Mikulėnas praised the actions of Pakruojis team leaders: "I remember that before, there was a field and wooden benches in Pakruojis. Now this team has real chances to compete for medals."
The former striker singled out 'Žalgiris' legionnaires Tomislav Pekas, Calum Elliot, and rising 'Sūduva' talent Karolis Chvedukas: "He is one of the most talented players of his age. I must also mention Rafael Ledesma. When the Brazilian is trying, he has no competition. Ledesma can stand still throughout the entire match, but when needed, he delivers. He always must be watched by at least two opponents."
The last stop of G. Mikulėnas' professional football career was Suwałki's 'Wigry' (Poland). G. Mikulėnas has not been playing sports for several months. Now, the 39-year-old former Lithuanian national team player focuses on his family, but he does not plan to disconnect from football – he does not want to work as a coach but struggles in a Polish manager agency."
