E. Jankauskas: "This cycle was positive for us

2023-11-17 13:24 © lff.lt

The Lithuanian national team finished the European Championship qualifying tournament with a loss.

Lithuanians, after missing two goals in the first two halves, lost 0-2 to Montenegro. With zero points, Lithuanians are now clear in fourth place in Group G.

Lithuania's national team coach Edgaras Jankauskas emphasized the unsuccessful starts of both halves after the match.

"The start of the match was not successful, in both halves. We conceded two goals in the third minute twice, so the start was very unsuccessful for us both times.

Later we tried to come back by changing the position on the field and making substitutions, but today we had a lot of difficulties approaching the opponent's goal and creating something constructive to finish attacks properly," explained the coach.

He also added that the overall image on the field, in his opinion, was not too bad, the opponents just showed their class.

"A very good experience for us, the coaching staff. We 'tweaked' a bit as they say, in the second half when we wanted to get back into the game. We brought on a second striker, switched to a formation with four defenders, but we saw that this didn't give us any advantage. Then we brought on another midfielder to close the gaps.

I think the match was not terrible. Maybe the opinion will change a bit after watching the video, but there were no complaints about the players not wanting to play, being demotivated, that's for sure.

We went into the matches, fought for the ball we didn't have, tried to create, but failed to do so, because we have to admit that the opponent was strong today. Unsuccessful match, but experience - into the savings account and we start preparing for the next ones," shared the coach.

Assessing the entire cycle, E. Jankauskas said he believed it was more positive for the national team.

"I think this cycle was positive, good for us, and one game cannot erase all the work. Players made an effort today too, but maybe the opponents looked at us more seriously. We put in the effort, but they dealt with it, that's how football is.

It was a good cycle, the players did a lot of work, but we know it will not always be like this. No one will want to give points easily, there will be good matches, there will be losses," said the specialist.

He also highlighted several players who, in his opinion, showed the most growth during these years.

"Young players like Gvidas Gineitis or Justas Lasickas have reached their peak, veterans like Fiodor Chernykh and Arvydas Novikovas - maybe their careers seemed to be on the decline, but they are in very good form.

There are many future players like Matijus Remeikis, Edgaras Utkus. We have these players and they need to play in good championships, which is very important. I think this cycle helped them draw attention to themselves and will help them progress to better championships. It's necessary to grow and improve," emphasized the national team coach.