V. Čeburinas: if we win two more times – we will become champions

2024-10-06 09:15 © Elvio Žaldario

"Žalgiris" coach Vladimiras Čeburinas spoke about the strong desire of his players to win after the victory against "Šiauliai," while goalkeeper Arpadas Tordai stated that the Žalgiris players never doubted their superiority, even when their opponents reduced the deficit.

The Vilnius team won 3:1 in Šiauliai and defeated the Šiauliai team for the third time this season. Last year, they couldn't achieve this in four matches.

"We structured our game based on the opponent's actions. We analyzed their movements, expecting long passes and runs into the area behind the center defenders and behind the defensive line. They managed to do that once, twice, three times. They threatened us. Both ball control and other actions in the first half didn’t go as we would have liked. In the second half, we had more opportunities. Thanks to the players, bravo to them for their great dedication and desire to win," said V. Čeburinas.

"It was an important victory. It was crucial to win today. Because if we win two more times, we will become champions. Our goal is to win the remaining 5 matches," stated A. Tordai. "About the conceded goal – it happens. The opponent needed to score and try to get back into the fight. But I think we played better. It doesn't matter that we conceded. We were capable of scoring at least once more."

In this match, 4 goals were scored, but the Žalgiris players hit the woodwork twice and had several good chances. The home team also had opportunities to score.

"The result could have been bigger or smaller – depending on the circumstances. We had the ball a lot in the opponent's penalty area. We created many chances. The opponent had quite a few corners and many passes. But bravo to the players and the goalkeeper, who worked well. It was an interesting match for the spectators, sharp. Attack after attack, a lot of such actions in front of both teams' goals," V. Čeburinas evaluated.

During the halftime, he made two substitutions – defender Younnas Zahary and forward Nikola Petkovičius left the field.

"Zahary suffered a minor injury. It made no sense for him to continue playing, as it could lead to more serious consequences. Petkovičius' substitution was tactical. We needed shots from distance. Fofana is more capable of that, both in training and matches. There were other plans too, considering the players we have. The substitution was justified in the sense that Fofana had chances. Janson had opportunities too. You can't score with every shot, but you need to strive for it," said the coach.

A. Tordai is one of two players who have not missed a single match this season. "I'm glad that I play continuously; it's an honor to be here. I hope we finish the championship in victory. We approach each match as a final. We rely on our strength before every match. If we can score more, that's good. But the most important thing is to win every match."

V. Čeburinas was also asked about the "Žalgiris" youth team's performance in the UEFA Youth League. This week, the Žalgiris youngsters confidently beat the Welsh champions 4:0, with Patrikas Matyžonokas and Romualdas Jansonas scoring two goals each.

"Of course, we are very happy about that. Our youth won confidently against the Welsh team. Bravo to the coaches who figured out how to achieve this. Bravo to the players who accepted and fulfilled those tactical plans. And also for scoring goals. Bravo to Matyžonokas. Scoring wasn't his role before, but we believed in him. We think he can become a good player. Janson scored 5 goals. That says a lot. I’m very happy for them, for the club, for our academy. We want to take pride in what we have. And we have a lot to be proud of," said the coach.

On October 23, Žalgiris will face "Manchester United" in the UEFA Youth League.

"I want to invite all fans, all football enthusiasts to come to this match. A club like "Manchester United" doesn't come here every year. Such teams arrive once every five years. I hope our guys will show good football," the coach hoped.

The next match for "Žalgiris" will be played on October 20 in Alytus.