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After a crushing victory in the 11th round of the NFKA "A Lyga" against Kėdainiai "Nevėžis", Vilnius "Žalgiris" football players are now in fourth place on the tournament table, and in terms of lost points they are only one point behind Panevėžys "Ekranas".
On the eve of the season, coach Vyacheslav Sukristovas stated that the team's goal for the 2006 season is to achieve no less than fourth place. Despite a few setbacks, forced changes in coaching staff, and injuries, the newly formed "Žalgiris" team, composed only of Lithuanians, is slowly climbing up the tournament table.
The official website of the "A Lyga" interviewed one of the leaders of the capital team, Virmantas Lemežis:
What impression does this year's championship make?
It feels like the championship is of a higher level than last year. We have to fight with all our might not only with the leaders, but also with the teams at the bottom of the table. There are no outsiders this year. It's a shame that the quality of the pitches has deteriorated. Our team's home pitch (P.S. Vilnius "Žalgiris" stadium) is unbelievably poor. Last year the pitch was much better. In my opinion, the problem with pitches negatively affects the level of the championship.
What are the team's feelings after the victory in Kaunas against "Nevėžis"?
The mood is high. After the victory against "Nevėžis", the team's appetite for victories and goals has grown even more. During the matches, we feel a great amount of excitement, as the fight for a higher place in the tournament table has become particularly tense. Optimism is also provided by the fact that Artūras Steško, Vidas Kaušpadas, and attacking organizer Raimondas Vilėniškis are recovering from injuries.
What changed in the club after changing owners?
Many things have changed for the better. Order has been established. Organizational issues no longer disrupt us, club leaders settle accounts with players on time, so everyone sincerely thinks only about winning in the upcoming matches. Because of similar things that used to cause tension in the team, the tension is no longer there.
Next Tuesday awaits the derby against "Vilnius". How are you preparing for it?
I think this team has not yet revealed its full potential. The fight promises to be particularly fierce, as we want to be the strongest team in the capital.
