Vilnius team officially welcomed three new football players today - defender from Bosnia and Herzegovina Semiras Kerla, midfielder Mantas Kuklys who spent half a year in the Czech Republic, and defender Egidijus Vaitkūnas. Also, "Žalgiris" scarves were presented to Pavel Komolov, who has been playing in Greece for the past six months.
In Poland - two control matches
At a press conference, "Žalgiris" sports director Mindaugas Nikoličius presented the team's preparation plan for the Champions League qualifying rounds against Zagreb's "Dinamo". Tomorrow, the team will depart to Poland, where on July 3 they will meet the Israeli vice-champion Beer Sheva's "Hapoel", and on July 6 - with the Cypriot champion Nicosia's APOEL.
"We will not give in to Zagreb's team easily, so we are trying to assemble a team that could challenge 'Dinamo'" - said M. Nikoličius. - It's hard to call the three players next to me newcomers. P. Komolovas and E. Vaitkūnas have been with us since the early days of VMFD "Žalgiris" in the A league, Mantas is also a veteran. S. Kerla is a 26-year-old Bosnian, coming from the multiple Bosnian and Herzegovina champion Sarajevo "Železnjičar". Over the past 4 years, they have won their country's championship 3 times. S. Kerla made his debut in his national team in a match against Poland, played in the highest league in Greece and at the Slovak club "Žilina".
According to the "Žalgiris" sports director, they are currently actively looking for a new striker.
"Negotiations took some time because we want to invite a high-caliber player, and most of them are not very interested in coming to Lithuania. To be honest, it's a bit disappointing. Now we have a few candidates, I believe the negotiations will end successfully. We would like the striker to already be in the team by July 3 for the match against the Israeli club" - M. Nikoličius confirmed.
Encounters with Croatians await
All the players officially joining "Žalgiris" confirmed that there is a great atmosphere in the team, and all players are determined to challenge 'Dinamo'.
I found the team a bit changed. There are a few new players, but I quickly adapted, I feel at home. I am very happy and will try to help 'Žalgiris' achieve its goals" - said M. Kuklys.
"It's nice to come back home. Everywhere is good, but home is the best" - added E. Vaitkūnas.
P. Komolovas said he is returning to Vilnius as to his second home.
"Great impressions, 'Žalgiris' has long been my second home. I came not as to a home, but simply to home. Everything is good here - great team, great atmosphere within the team. We are all here to win as many matches as possible" - said P. Komolovas.
S. Kerla, who participated in his first training session with "Žalgiris" today, said he hopes that the team can overcome the barrier of the Champions League qualifying round II.
"The atmosphere in the team is good, the impressions are good. I want to help 'Žalgiris' fight in the Champions League against 'Dinamo'. The opponents are very strong, but I believe we can beat them" - said the new player of 'Žalgiris'.
Andrezinho - not returning
Football players are not just coming to 'Žalgiris' these days. As already announced, Eivinas Zagurskas transferred to Gargždai's 'Banga'. Also, in Vilnius, we will not see the goalkeeper from Brazil Andrezinho.
"There are certain offers for other 'Žalgiris' players. If they leave, there would be certain gaps that need to be filled. I won't hide that we were very interested in Fiodor Černych, who is currently free, but his priority is to play somewhere else. However, I do not rule out the possibility that he may join us. I also had talks with Saulius Mikoliūnas. But he has a contract with Sevastopol club for another year" - said M. Nikoličius.
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