FK Kauno Žalgiris defender Rokas Lekiatas says a packed Jonavos City Central Stadium will provide a major lift when the Lithuanian side host Klaksvík in a decisive European qualifier on Wednesday.
The first leg in the Faroe Islands finished 0-0, leaving the tie finely balanced with a place in the main stage of one of UEFA’s club competitions on the line.
Kauno Žalgiris trained at the Jonavos venue on Monday, with Lekiatas insisting preparations have followed a familiar rhythm despite the scale of the occasion.
“I wouldn’t say the preparation is any different to league matches,” he told the club website. “We came back after days off, had training and video sessions. We analysed what we did well, what we did badly, and what we can correct. It’s a weekly process.”
With Kauno Žalgiris not in Toplyga action at the weekend, the Lithuania international said the extra days have been used mainly for tactical work.
“We haven’t had much time for full training for a long period because it’s mainly been recovery and pre-match sessions,” he added. “This time we had a few more days, so the coach highlighted even more the principles we have to follow and the football we have to play. We used those days tactically.”
Tickets for Wednesday’s match are close to selling out and Lekiatas believes the atmosphere will be key.
“The conditions at the stadium are superb, everything is good,” he said. “There’s nothing to complain about, especially when the stands will be full – a bomb.”
Lekiatas also said Kauno Žalgiris are now well acquainted with Klaksvík’s style after the first leg and must apply their analysis on matchday.
“We hope there will be goals,” he said. “We know their strategies and tendencies in attack and defence. We analysed them and saw their leaders live, so we have to put all that information in our heads and use it in the match.”
Source: https://zalgiris.lt/naujienos/r-lekiatas-pries-rungtynes-jonavoje-pilnos-tribunos-bomba-video
