Žalgiris' youth conductor: 'We showed that we can score goals'

2024-10-02 12:32 © E. Žaldario

After a memorable victory against Wales, the players of the "Žalgiris" youth team, who returned to Vilnius, said that the result exceeded their expectations and spoke about a dream matchup with "Manchester United."

The Žalgiris players won the first match against "The New Saints" at home 3:2 and then won 4:0 away. After the match, the team flew home from the United Kingdom that same night and were in Vilnius by Wednesday noon. They were greeted by the head of "Žalgiris," Vilma Venslovaitienė, and the head coach of the men's team, Vladimir Čeburinas.

According to Patrikas Matyžonokas, who scored two goals, the team was not preparing to defend their lead before the second match: "The coaches emphasized that we shouldn't back down, we shouldn't 'park the bus', but we need to score first. To calm down, to let them feel who is who, who needs the victory more."

"The emotions are fantastic. For the first time in my life, I was probably in such a euphoria. We all understand – the match was of great importance. It was the first time we moved to the next stage. We were truly on cloud nine," said goalkeeper Joris Aliukonis.

He managed to keep a "clean sheet" in the second half of the first match and throughout the entire 90 minutes of the away match.

"We all did an analysis, had a couple of training sessions. With the defenders, we found a connection, we communicated, and they really excelled in the second match. They did an amazing job," said the goalkeeper. "I didn't expect we would win 4:0; I was hoping for 1:0 or 2:0. I have to give credit to Patrikas and Romualdas. I expected that it would be a tough match. The first half was really psychologically very tough. Those two goals changed everything psychologically and completely demoralized the opponents. I went into the second half with a somewhat calmer mindset."

The X factor of the second match was P. Matyžonokas, who used his speed in the first half and scored two goals on counterattacks. "That's my job – to score goals. The coach decided that I would play on the wing this time, while Vakaris Berenta played as a forward. That might have made some difference. It’s the coach’s merit for changing our positions," said the striker.

A year ago, he played in defense, but this winter, coach Vladimir Čeburinas saw that he could utilize his qualities in attack.

"Would I have believed a year ago that I would score two goals in the UEFA Youth League? No chance. I didn’t even think it was possible. My job is to do everything I can. Everything has changed through practice; the more you play, the more you get used to it," he said.

In three weeks, the Žalgiris players will face a challenge at home against the youth of one of the biggest clubs in the world.

"It's very exciting that finally someone from the big leagues, like 'Manchester United,' will come to Lithuania. I hope the stadium will be full. We will need to show everything we know there,” said P. Matyžonokas.

"For every person, child, or teenager playing football, it would be exciting to play against such a team," said J. Aliukonis.

The match between the "Žalgiris" youth team and "Manchester United" will take place on October 23 and November 6.