Successful Žalgiris Youth Season - From the Coach's Perspective

It’s true that we didn’t make many passes or have ball control in the first match in Vilnius, but we played as the opponent allowed. However, our task was to score goals, and we succeeded in scoring two despite how the game unfolded. It wasn't that we scored by chance or that they handed us the ball. We scored in the way we want to play – both times after passes into open spaces. There could have been some opponents' relaxation? I think they know they can't relax because there's a lot of competition. For us, this is a significant joy regardless. We know that it’s always difficult for Lithuanian teams to score, but this time we managed.

In the second match, many only saw the final score or the shot statistics. But in the first half, we managed better to exit from high pressure. The only difference was that their goalkeeper was coming high and collecting many balls, which prevented us from making those shots. In the second half, we tried to apply more pressure up front, we managed to intercept balls, but we lacked the final moment; the opponents read our decisions. The opponents were also stronger in the second game, with a defender Henry Amass and forward Ethan Wheatley registered with the main team.

Another thing to remember is that this is youth football. One of the goals of the youth league is development, getting to know the game of other countries, and mutual communication. As is customary in the UEFA Youth League, after the matches, there’s a sort of third half – a meeting of players, coaches, and officials at the dinner table to chat, share experiences and impressions.

The representatives from "United" noted after the matches that one or two players from our team impressed them and are of good international level. It’s hard to say if they said that out of respect, but in any case, it’s nice to hear.

– What lessons, what positives remain from such a Youth League season?
– The players saw their weaknesses, areas where they still need to develop and strive, and they observed the technical skills of their opponents. Such matches clearly demonstrated the highest level and what’s needed to play there. The boys saw where and how "Manchester United" trains, what they live for. To achieve something in modern football, you have to live with this sport from age 15-16; it must be your main job, everything else on the side. Even that does not guarantee you will be a professional.

We had several younger players born in 2008 who tested their strengths – such as Benas Bruzga, Rokas Kursevičius, Vakaris Bradūnas, and Klemensas Gustas. The latter had just finished the European U-17 Championship qualifying tournament, and two days later he played 90 minutes against "United."

From the coaches' perspective, it was useful and interesting to see all the conditions, a different football gameplay which is faster and tactically more mature, and to analyze and evaluate "United" players and their philosophy of play.

Our playing philosophy is similar – we want to play with the ball, dominate, take the ball on the opponents’ half, have ball control, and have versatile players. Like us, their organization primarily works not for today’s result but to nurture an individual player who will later play in the main team and for the national team.

Thus, specific confirmation emerged and confidence in the path we are on. We know we can't copy anything because we lack the same resources, infrastructure, and selection. But the essence of the philosophy, the idea of developing a player by adapting to the conditions shows that we are on the right path.

– Briefly speaking – as this is a broad topic – what is the current path? Is it already generating results?
– With the current development program, we have been working for 4 years; that "Anderlecht" program was our foundation. More children are getting game time earlier, and all age groups are working systematically according to a program composed of blocks. All training sessions have a structure, specifying what to do in each segment. Testing is also scheduled. Upon starting to play 11 v 11, video analysis emerges, additional meetings with parents, player evaluations, etc. We are indeed seeing the program bearing fruit. We have more comparable players and a more competitive environment in training.

– Another significant goal this year was participation in the II league, which you achieved. What was the "Žalgiris" B team like, and how did everything look before the season?
– The goal was clear – to return to the First League so that we could create more competitive conditions for the academy graduates to play next year.

The start was indeed challenging because we essentially had a new team – only a few players remained from the B team – such as Tomas Bakšys, Gustas Mikelaitis, and Osvaldo Alfieri. Some players moved to other A league teams or were loaned out (Kajus Bička, Motiejus Burba, Darius Stankevičius, Džiugas Aleksa, Meinardas Mikulėnas) or joined the main team. Players from the former U-18 team joined, and our alumni Deividas Linauskas and Martynas Valukonis also returned.

From Panevėžys, Gustas Žederštreimas joined, who had already quit football to focus on studies. I remember after one of the early exhausting training sessions with us, he said he no longer wanted to play and was considering what he was doing there. But he turned out to be one of the key players on the team.

As reserves, we had academy graduates born in 2007-2008. Throughout the season, current U-18 team players debuted – Vakaris Berenta, Vilius Kondrotas, Danielius Velička, Vytis Pavilonis, Klemensas Gustas, and Rokas Kursevičius.

According to opportunities and needs, Romualdas Jansonas, Martynas Šetkus, and Patrikas Matyžonokas would also join. A few more experienced main team players provided assistance, but that was essentially only towards the end of the season when the main team had already fulfilled its goals.

– What were the key factors in the fight for first place?
– An important factor was the healthy atmosphere in the locker room. Players competed, they weren’t afraid to tell each other the truth, and they enjoyed football. By the end of the season, the team was like a real fist.

At first, not everyone believed it would work out because there were several genuinely strong teams in the league. There was no miracle, just purposeful work week after week. From the beginning of January, we had only one week off. We worked with athletic training and the goalkeeper department. The goalkeeper coach from the main team, Audrius Ramonas, helped with both the goalkeepers and standard situations.

A pivotal moment was the match in Kaunas against "Fortūna" in June – we failed to defeat the tournament's underdog, ending 1:1. That was a cold shower; after that, we had many serious conversations. The team truly reacted because, in the second half of the season, there was only one draw in Klaipėda, and then we achieved 13 consecutive victories.

In July, the match against "TransINVEST" reserves showcased why we became the champions this season. We scored first, but after half an hour, we received a red card, and the opponents equalized. That time, we could have crumbled and lost. But in the second half, R. Jansonas scored the winner. Both he and P. Matyžonokas flew out to Finland that early morning and returned to the pitch in the afternoon, playing more than a half.

– You had a winning streak, yet even after collecting 76 points, you were not guaranteed a place in the First League. How important were the last matches?

– According to the regulations, we seemed to have secured second place and a ticket to the First League earlier, after a victory in Jonavos. But we understand that in reality, reserve teams are not prioritized for promotion.

Thus, the final match against "TransINVEST B" was like a final – the winner takes a higher place. Among the opponents, we had four of our alumni, as well as seasoned players with top-level experience. Our five players were playing their third match in the week - the small final in Jonavos and Wednesday in Manchester.

Though the start of the match didn’t have any bad omens – R. Jansonas scored a stunning goal worthy of any tournament. However, at the end of the half, we conceded a goal into the locker room. By the way, for the second time this year, we conceded to Kajus Bička, who was loaned to the opponent's club. In the middle of the half, G. Žederštreimas got injured, and after a standard situation, we conceded a penalty. Fortunately, goalkeeper Arpadas Tordai saved it. We are thankful to him, and the other two players from the main team played professionally and without mistakes. But that moment was the most critical.

It was hard at the end; we felt fatigue, but we drew, and it felt like a victory. We managed to endure, hold on, and achieve our goal. Sometimes that is what is needed. This season, it became our hallmark.

Overall, summarizing these years, throughout the academy's history and my coaching career (this was my 19th season), the 2024 season has indeed been the most memorable. For all those who were part of that season, it is motivation and inspiration to continue developing and striving higher.