Lithuanian A Lyga bronze medallists FK Žalgiris Vilnius gathered today for their first training session ahead of the new season, signaling a fresh start for the historic capital club after a turbulent and scandal-filled 2025 campaign. With new leadership and renewed optimism, Žalgiris are aiming to return to the top of Lithuanian football.
Last season was marked by unrest both on and off the pitch. Poor results in domestic competition and European tournaments led to strong protests from supporters, including match boycotts and even incidents where suitcases were thrown onto the pitch as a symbol of dissatisfaction. The anger was directed at former club director Vilma Venslovaitienė and head coach Vladimir Cheburin, as tensions between fans and management reached a breaking point.
Following changes in the club’s leadership, Rolandas Džiaukštas took over and quickly made an impression. The 47-year-old coach enjoyed an outstanding run as interim head coach, winning his first eight matches in charge and suffering his only defeat in the final round of the season against FK Panevėžys. His results earned him a contract extension through the next two seasons.
Speaking to the media at today’s first training session, Džiaukštas stated that Žalgiris’ ambitions are clear: winning the Lithuanian championship. He expressed hope that the internal instability seen last year will not be repeated, pointing to strong fan support as a key factor. More than 3,000 season tickets were sold shortly after going on sale, forcing the club to suspend further sales. The club president Andrius Tapinas revealed that season ticket revenue alone generated €178,432 for the club.
One notable absence from training was new signing Vincentas Šarkauskas, the goalkeeper who joined from runners-up FC Hegelmann. The club confirmed there are no serious concerns, explaining that the goalkeeper is simply unwell and expected to return soon.
There is also ongoing talks surrounding one of Žalgiris’ most iconic players, Romanian striker Liviu Antal. Antal returned to the club on loan in the summer after a short break and was outstanding during the latter part of the season, scoring in nine consecutive league matches to finish the season. He ended his half-season spell with 13 goals in 20 appearances and played a crucial role in Žalgiris securing third place and qualification for European competition. Club representatives have not ruled out the possibility of Antal remaining with the team next season.
Džiaukštas also confirmed that further reinforcements are planned, with hopes of adding five to six new players across most positions, excluding central midfield, where he believes the squad is already well balanced. When asked about a potential return for Paulius Golubickas – who left Žalgiris after the 2024 title-winning season for Poland and most recently spent half a season with KuPS in Finland – the coach said Golubickas would be an excellent option for any Lithuanian club, including Žalgiris, but noted that the midfielder is still under contract abroad.
Meanwhile, Žalgiris director Mindaugas Kasperūnas revealed that the club’s planned budget for the 2026 season stands at €4 million. He also echoed the head coach’s comments, stating that the squad is currently around 70 percent complete as preparations for the new campaign get underway.
Source: https://www.tv3.lt/naujiena/sportas/pirmoje-metu-treniruoteje-prisiminimai-apie-sunkiausia-sezona-ir-patvirtintas-biudzetas-n1482740https://www.tv3.lt/naujiena/sportas/pirmoje-metu-treniruoteje-prisiminimai-apie-sunkiausia-sezona-ir-patvirtintas-biudzetas-n1482740
https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/sportas/10/2797231/a-lygos-virsuneje-norintis-buti-dziaukstas-apie-zalgirio-sudeti-ir-isvykusi-burba?srsltid=AfmBOopjaOjWUX6UTYbloqWyAQsP5YFw7egSpSbjezAtEjJW5keQkqPi
