The coach Vladimir Čeburinas, who has amassed a record number of trophies in Lithuania, will remain in the capital and continue to train the FK "Žalgiris" team – the coach and the club have agreed on a contract extension.
The strategist, who has led the main "Žalgiris" team since 2021, has fought for the title of Lithuanian champions for the 3rd time this year in 4 seasons with the team from Vilnius.
After last year's significant changes in the "Žalgiris" roster, few football analysts saw the team at the top of the championship this season.
"Before the season, it seemed that only the club administration, coaching staff, players, and the most loyal fans, who always believe in 'Žalgiris,' believed in our chances," recalled V. Čeburinas. "How is this season different? Every season is unique. Based on last year's experience, we did a lot of work this year selecting the people we needed who could fight alongside us for high goals. Many players left; we parted ways with some. It was 75% of a new team."
According to the strategist, the season can be considered successful due to the championship title won, but there were also disappointments: "We were unsuccessful in Europe, but there are reasons for that. I am grateful to the players for their fight in Cyprus, playing almost all matches with fewer players. That is not easy; it is truly very hard. This season had its downsides – in terms of the cup and Europe. Next year we will strive to do better."
Evaluating the reasons that determined the successful path to the title, the coach emphasized the team spirit: "The key element was the locker room, the team spirit. The work done in selecting players helped create a team with strong competition and strong players. Players who not only wanted to play but also supported the team accepted the spirit of 'Žalgiris' upon joining, taking on significant responsibilities. We had players with extensive experience in top-level clubs; we had true professionals. They loved their work and embraced our ideas. Yes, there were misunderstandings; we needed to create, adjust, and tune actions. However, they followed that path, played, and realized the ideas on the field. I would like to thank the players for their dedication and professionalism. I thank the captains for their love for the club and leading the team to victories. I thank the club administration for doing almost everything to make it more comfortable for the players to do their job. A big thank you to our fans. Despite last year, they supported us in every match – no matter where we were, in which country or city. Also, thank you for the support of the city of Vilnius, the municipality."
In his trophy collection, he also has 2 LFF Cup and 3 LFF Super Cup trophies.
Under V. Čeburinas' leadership, the "Žalgiris" team was the first among Lithuanian clubs to reach the main stage of the UEFA tournaments in 2022.
When asked about his motivation to continue working and personal goals, the coach mentioned the desire to achieve more on the international front and work with young players from the club's academy.
"It is a great honor for me to be a part of 'Žalgiris', and I am proud of it. I remember the first call when we agreed on my arrival; that left an impression. Here are the conditions for work, high goals, a desire to always improve, to move forward, and to realize my ideas. I have many ideas and want them to come to fruition. We have common desires – our goal is to win trophies. Also, of course, there is Europe. We were already in the Conference League. We want more. There is motivation to create, build, implement ideas, and, of course, achieve results – which is the most important thing. We have such fans who live club football. Without them, the club wouldn't be what it is. We have an academy where knowledge and experience can be passed on. We are constructing everything so that our boys can supplement the main 'Žalgiris' team, that 'Žalgiris' is in their hearts. We want and aim for them to have the opportunity to play. We will work together to ensure that this club thrives, so the team is proud not only of Vilnius but of all Lithuania. The motivation is high. I hope that next year we will have even better conditions for more productive work and the implementation of ideas. This also motivates the coach. Of course, for the coach, material conditions matter, but the goals you want to achieve in life are just as important. The most important thing is to enjoy what you do. Before the major holidays of the year, I wish everyone goodness, happiness, health, to have their own goal, to believe in themselves and achieve victories," wished V. Čeburinas.
In preparation for the first team training for the new season, the main "Žalgiris" team plans to gather in the second week of January.
Together with the three previously won gold medals, V. Čeburinas became the absolute record holder of our country's championship.
© E. Žaldario
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