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On Tuesday, Vilniaus presented their team for the 2006 season at their headquarters. The press conference was attended by club president Romas Stašauskas, club board member Antonas Treušnikovas, head coach Edgaras Gessas, and two new team players - goalkeeper Vaidas Žutautas and forward Germanas Lovčevas.
Both the leaders of "Vėtra" and the team's coach were satisfied with the team's preparation for the season. E.Gessas stated that the team composition is "already 80-90 percent clear" and was pleased that the team, which started training together for the new season in early January, already looks well-coordinated.
Among the new faces in "Vėtra" are players such as Lithuanian national team goalkeeper Vaidas Žutautas, defender Donatas Vencevičius, former national team defender Vidas Dančenko, and defender Algis Jankauskas returning to Lithuania from Russia. "Vėtra" also signed contracts with eight foreign players. The best of them is Russian forward Germanas Lovčevas, who spent a significant part of his career at the renowned Russian club Moscow "Spartak." The attack will also feature Ukrainian Sergejus Kuznecovas, who moved from Tiraspol "Sheriff" team. The defense was strengthened by two Macedonians - Dejan Miloševskis and Bobis Božinovskis, as well as Russian Konstantinas Talancevas.
The defense was also reinforced with three foreigners. Contracts were signed with players who previously played for the reserve team of Moscow's "Lokomotiv," as well as Latvian and Russian players.
"Vėtra" still has one of its leaders, Lithuanian national team defender Aidas Preikšaitis. The core of the defense remains Julius Raliukonis, Nerijus Sasnauskas, and Žilvinas Žudys. The attack will feature two promising Lithuanian players - Edvinas Blažys and Robertas Vėževičius. Meanwhile, after last season, defender Gediminas Butrimavičius left the team to study in the USA.
Asked if more players like A.Jankauskas will return to Lithuania from Russia, R.Stašauskas mentioned no financial obstacles and added that this question should be addressed to the coach.
"Time will tell," replied E.Gessas. "If there are players willing to return, we will try."
A.Treušnikovas talked about the stadium modernization project: in two months, the stadium will have a modern scoreboard where important moments can be replayed. VIP stands, special workspaces for journalists, and an increased number of seats will be installed in the near future. Club leaders hope that the Lithuanian national team will continue to play at the stadium.
A.Treušnikovas also revealed ambitious plans for the club to build a modern facility outside the city, where not only "Vėtra" players will train, but also one of the best football schools in Europe will be established.
This year, "Vėtra," with a budget of at least 4 million litas, has set high goals. When asked if the management would be satisfied with third place in the "A League," A.Treušnikovas joked: "We are not Abramovich, wanting to win the English championship and Champions League in the first season, and then having nothing to do. Of course, we will fight for first place. The president and I stay up at night dreaming of the awards ceremony."
"The goals are always maximum, no need to set any intermediate goals," said R.Stašauskas. "In Lithuania, there are only a few teams with which we can play evenly. If we reach the third round of the Intertoto Cup, we will likely have to compete against a Scottish team. We have played against Scots before, so why not again? I would rate our chances of getting into the UEFA Cup at 50-50."
E.Gessas was pleased with the Intertoto Cup draw: "I have not seen how 'Shelbourne' plays, but we will review the footage soon. I am very happy that we got a strong opponent. It will be an opportunity to test our strength."
"I don't see any giants in our path to the UEFA Cup that are unbeatable, so I don't see why we couldn't achieve it. Everything will depend on the team's form, injuries, losses, as the first round matches will take place in June, so we will not be able to strengthen anymore," said the president of "Vėtra."
Asked if "Vėtra" plays in a "Spartak-style," E.Gessas, who previously played for Moscow's "Spartak," jokingly replied: "Maybe then 'Barcelona' plays in a 'Spartak-style'? I don't think that's the playing style of 'Spartak.' I observe other teams, their game, and then transfer my thoughts to the team's game. 'Vėtra' will strive to move quickly with the ball, play attacking and visually attractive football to attract spectators to the stadium.
Meanwhile, both players who participated in the press conference were quite succinct.
"'Vėtra' trusted me, although after the season I experienced a very serious injury - a torn shoulder muscle," said V.Žutautas. "I like the club. I think there is no need to exaggerate not reaching the LFF Cup semifinals: the team is not yet fully synchronized, everything will become clear in the future."
G.Lovčevas was satisfied with his performance at "Vėtra": "The club sets high goals, so I came to 'Vėtra.' I like everything here."
G.Lovčevas attended the press conference injured: "I suffered a muscle injury, but it will only become clear tomorrow whether it is serious. I hope everything will be fine."
The Vilnius "Vėtra" footballers will start their battles in the Lithuanian "A League" this weekend. On Saturday, April 15, at 18:30, "Vėtra" will face the "Šilutė" team at home.
This season, tickets to "A League" matches at the "Vėtra" stadium will cost half as much as last year - 5 litas. Spectators attending the matches will have the chance to win valuable prizes and "Vėtra" merchandise. Refreshments will be available at the stadium.
