V. Čeburinas: "It would be great if everyone scored two goals during their birthday

2024-06-03 08:04 © E. Žaldario

„Žalgirio“ coach Vladimiras Čeburinas thanked the fans for their support after the eleventh season victory in the championship and was satisfied with the justified strategy, while Liviu Antalis, who scored two goals, stated that the team's goals from set pieces are not a coincidence.

On Thursday, Žalgiris lost to the „TransINVEST“ team in the „FPRO LFF Cup“ match, but on Sunday bounced back with a victory in the „TOPsport A League“.

„Thank you very much to the fans. They were with us all along. They understand that the previous match was not ours. Every match is important, just like this one. But this one stood out. So, thank you very much to the fans for their support. The players felt that responsibility by seeing it. Much bigger,– said V. Čeburinas – Good match, lots of fight. Lots of correct actions, the ones we discussed. The players did a great job. Huge respect for that.“

„First of all, I am happy for the victory. It was important to bounce back after the lost cup match. To show that it was a one-time thing. The team showed character, everyone gave a hundred percent. Congratulations to everyone, I am proud of everyone,“ said L. Antalis.

When asked what changed after the previous match, the coach replied: „We did our homework for these matches. It paid off, especially in the first half. The opponents seemed unprepared for those actions. As a result, we earned a penalty. We threatened the goal. Only at the end of the half did we not play as solidly. The opponents also knew us from the previous match. So, it was interesting to see how everything would unfold on the field. Bravo to the players.“

L. Antalis noted the team's dedication: „Everyone was properly motivated, 100 percent. When you give your all for football, you get a return. Today, everyone did a good job. That was one of the differences compared to previous matches.“

The Romanian forward scored two goals on his 35th birthday. „He is a professional, he is on the pitch. We see how much benefit he brings to the team, how much positivity and scoring two goals. It doesn't matter that the first one was a penalty, it needed to be scored. The second goal was beautiful. It would be great if everyone scored two goals each on their birthday,“ said V. Čeburinas.

„I have never scored two goals on my birthday before. I am happy, it is always important for me to score. But the most important thing is the team's victory. Today it was a perfect gift for me. 2 goals, 3 points If we continue like this - it will be amazing,“ said one of the team veterans.

Žalgiris scored two goals from corner kicks - Yuriy Kendysh and L. Antalis headed the ball into the goal. „We work on set pieces every week. It's not a coincidence. It's one of our goals. We worked on it,“ reassured L. Antalis.

After these matches, some of the Žalgiris players will have a few days of rest, while others will head to national team camps.

„We have quite a few players in different national teams. We wish everyone luck, victories. We will take a break for rest. A responsible month awaits. Many matches. While preparing for the championship, we are also preparing for the Conference League. We need to give the players a break so they can recharge and then we will move forward,“ said V. Čeburinas.

„It is important because we won't have such a long break later on. It's important to come back fresher, both physically and mentally. To maintain a positive attitude and calmness. You can spend time with family or relax in other ways. Everyone can choose how to spend these free days. Such a break is necessary because we have played many matches. I believe the team deserves a break,“ said L. Antalis.

The next match for Žalgiris will be on June 16 at home against „Panevėžys“.