© EuroFootball.com
On Monday, the Lithuanian national team gathered for their first training session before their trip to the Faroe Islands to play the 2008 European Championship qualifying match against the local team on October 7. Before the training, the national team head coach Algimantas Liubinskas, speaking officially on the Lithuanian Football Federation's website, reviewed the situation in the team, the goals for the upcoming match, and was pleased with the dedication of the players and staff.
Attacker Tomas Danilevičius and defender Deividas Česnauskis did not participate in the evening national team training as they had matches on Sunday in Italy and Scotland respectively, and arrived straight from their clubs to the hotel. Also, on Monday, three Liepaja "Metalurgs" defenders - Tomas Tamošauskas, Darius Miceika, and Mindaugas Kalonas, were not in the national team lineup as they had matches in the Latvian championship on the same day. In addition, Aidas Preikšaitis, representing Vilnius "Vėtra," will join the national team on Wednesday, as on Tuesday "Vėtra" will play their postponed match against Klaipėda "Atlantas" at home.
According to the Lithuanian national team coach A. Liubinskas, defender Rolandas Džiaukštys underwent an MRI, and it should soon be clear if he will be able to play in the Faroe Islands, as there was suspicion of a torn muscle to the player. Meanwhile, striker Edgaras Jankauskas, who is recovering from an injury and likely won't be able to help the team, showed an example and still contributed to the team spirit.
Before the departure for Saturday's match, the coach did not hide the team's goals: "The goal and task of the match against the Faroe Islands are clear - we must win. The players understand this perfectly and know it, but this task needs to be fulfilled. The Faroe Islands national team plays well; we recently met them in World Cup qualifying matches. Watching the Faroe Islands team, I can say that they have made significant progress in their game. For example, if San Marino's team focuses all their strength on defense, the Faroe Islands players do not shy away from bold attacks and active play."
"We would like to score a goal as soon as possible in the match. It's good to see our players, playing abroad, more and more often scoring goals - yesterday T. Danilevičius, although he played only 30 minutes for "Livorno", scored a goal in that time. D. Miceika also shows up in Latvia by scoring goals. It's great to see the progress of young players. For example, M. Kalonas, known for his strong character - he steps onto the field without fear, unafraid to play. He has character, shows his strength not with words, but fearlessly stepping onto the field. That is important, when we step onto the field, we must think, not always the physical advantage over opponents is a plus," - stated A. Liubinskas.
"It's great that a medical team from Germany has joined the national team for these matches, their professional tests are especially necessary for the players. Men want to represent Lithuania, like E. Jankauskas, although injured, he still flew to the national team, trying to regain form and gladly trains together with everyone," - praised the national team head coach.
