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The paths of the Lithuanian national football team and head coach Csaba László have diverged. The national team will finish this qualifying cycle this year under the temporary guidance of Igor Pankratjevo.
The decision to make changes in the coaching staff was made due to differing views on the national team's results over the past two years and considering the team's future prospects. The agreement with Cs. László was mutually terminated.
"Replacing the head coach is always a difficult and unpleasant decision. However, considering all circumstances, we decided that the national team currently needs changes. We thank Cs. László for his efforts during a challenging period for the national team and wish him success in his future coaching career," said Julius Kvedaras, president of the Lithuanian Football Federation (LFF).
"I believe that this is the best decision for both parties. I want to thank the LFF for the opportunity to work as the national team coach, the president for his care for the team, the football community for their understanding, the players for their efforts, and the fans for their support. I wish this rejuvenated team success in the remaining matches and in the next qualifying cycle," said Cs. László.
Hungarian Cs. László has been the head coach of the Lithuanian national team since January 2012. Under his guidance in sixteen official and friendly matches, the Lithuanian team achieved two victories, four draws, and suffered ten defeats.
In the 2014 World Cup qualifying Group G, the Lithuanians earned eight points in eight matches and finished in fourth place.
In the last two matches of the qualifying cycle, the team will be temporarily led by 49-year-old Lithuanian I. Pankratjevas.
On October 11, the Lithuanian national team will face Latvia at home, and four days later - the footballers from Bosnia and Herzegovina.
