On Thursday evening, FK Žalgiris Vilnius will face Northern Irish champions Linfield in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League. The match will take place in the Lithuanian capital, and both the team and its leadership are focused and ready for the challenge ahead.
Team unity and support
Speaking at a pre-match press conference, head coach Vladimir Cheburin and team captain Ovidijus Verbickas emphasized the team’s unity, mutual trust, and a strong message of solidarity with their most loyal fans.
After a disappointing elimination in Malta, Žalgiris quickly regrouped. Captain Verbickas highlighted the importance of sticking together during tough times.
“Psychologically, it was tough after the match in Malta, but we remained united like a fist. Winning our last game showed we didn’t fall apart, we stayed together. That match against Džiugas was crucial for us emotionally and mentally,” Verbickas said.
According to him, the players and the club management supported one another throughout the difficult period.
“We helped each other both mentally and physically. The entire club, players and management, stayed like one unit. There was no need for drastic measures. We are like one big family,” he added.
Verbickas also pointed to midfielder Dino Šalčinović as a symbol of resilience.
“After missing two penalties, Dino came back, assisted, and scored. That shows the strength of our team spirit.”
Reconnecting with the fans
Addressing questions about recent tensions with supporters, Verbickas emphasized the importance of open communication.
“It’s hard to comment on what happened after the last match, as I wasn’t on the pitch at the time. A few days later, I met with the fans personally. I listened to them, and they listened to me. I told them how much their support means to us in these tough moments. I hope they heard me and will come support us tomorrow.”
When asked what the fans wanted, Verbickas said:
“They want good results, just like we do. I stressed that we need to stay united, because we can’t do it without them.”
He also confirmed the team’s full confidence in coach Cheburin.
“The team completely trusts the coach. We believe he’s the only one who can lead us out of this situation.”
Coach Cheburin on preparation and pressure
Head coach Vladimir Cheburin spoke about his team’s preparation and offered his take on the upcoming opponents.
“We’ve watched Linfield’s last two matches. They’re a well-balanced team, and we’re ready for what should be an exciting game,” he said.
Cheburin also reflected on the previous series against Hamrun Spartans and the challenges faced.
“No one was happy with the outcome. Even after the first leg, we knew it would be tough. Playing 120 minutes with ten men was no easy task. Penalty shootouts are always a gamble, and this time it didn’t go our way. We tried hard. In the first leg, we managed to execute our set-piece plans well, but in the second, many things just didn’t work out.”
He acknowledged the constant pressure that comes with being a head coach:
“A coach is always under pressure, whether the team wins or loses. Everyone becomes an expert after the match. Dealing with those moments is part of the job. I can guarantee that over the past four and a half years, I’ve been working not at 100, but at 150 percent.”
The first leg between Žalgiris and Linfield kicks off on July 24 at 7 PM in Vilnius.
Source: https://fkzalgiris.lt/kapitonas-pries-airiu-issuki/
