Vilnius Akropolis shopping center’s Apollo cinema hosted the season presentation event for the multiple-time Lithuanian champions, Žalgiris Vilnius. During the event, the club discussed plans for their newly acquired stadium, budget considerations, a new partnership, and other relevant topics.
Having presented several emotional videos to the community, the club expressed excitement about finally having a home they can call their own. Žalgiris director Vilma Venslovaitienė revealed that renovation work is already in progress. However, she noted that these renovations will be carried out cautiously over the next three years due to uncertainties surrounding the national stadium project.
Stadium renovation plans and financial challenges
“Our priority is to renovate the locker rooms, improve facilities, and ensure better conditions overall. It may seem trivial, but these are crucial aspects. Interior renovations have already begun. However, we have not allocated any funds for exterior renovations this year. We will look for partners or reconsider these plans. We will also discuss the matter with the city, as we cannot handle everything on our own. There are risks involved,” said Venslovaitienė.
Currently, the stadium remains unnamed, but the club’s goal is to find a sponsor to purchase the naming rights, which would provide additional financial benefits.
Concerns over UEFA Champions league qualification matches
The club’s director expressed concerns that later UEFA Champions League qualification rounds may need to be played in Kaunas or abroad. “We might secure the right to play the first and second rounds at home, but the situation has changed. With a stadium now available in Kaunas, UEFA will view things differently. It would be unfortunate, but our alternative venues include Bialystok or Riga,” said Venslovaitienė.
New partnership with Hummel and exclusive jerseys
The club also introduced its new technical partner, Danish sportswear brand Hummel, founded in 1923, which also collaborates with the Lithuanian Football Federation. “This partnership is one of the biggest in our club’s history, not just at the technical level,” said the club’s director.
Symbolically, with the new partnership in place, fans will soon get a glimpse of the team’s new jerseys. However, the design has not yet been revealed. “One of our dreams was to have unique jerseys, designed by our “Pietų IV” supporters. We want to be distinctive and proud of our identity. Žalgiris Vilnius is a legend of Lithuanian football,” added Venslovaitienė.
Squad Additions and Financial Outlook
The club’s management hinted that more player signings are on the way. One new addition already introduced is Venezuelan goalkeeper Carlos Olses, who joined from Valmiera. “We are not fully assembled yet. We are actively searching for what we need. Negotiations are ongoing for a forward from another club. We have also signed a center-back, his ticket is booked for tomorrow,” revealed the director.
Last season, MFK Žalgiris finished second in the Women’s First League, securing promotion to the top division. “It’s a new challenge for us. I’m fortunate to have Virginija Narbutaitė-Klevinskienė, which makes this transition easier. My task is to recruit three international players. We already have a great core from last year, and I believe we will assemble a fantastic women’s team that will achieve great things,” Venslovaitienė commented.
Financially, the club managed to balance its operations once again, even repaying a previous €50,000 debt to former employee Mindaugas Nikoličius. The club’s budget forecasts are cautious: the pessimistic scenario projects €4.063 million in revenue, while the optimistic forecast reaches €7.151 million. Operational expenses are estimated at €3.896 million in the worst case and €6.829 million in the best-case scenario. Regardless of financial uncertainties, the Vilnius City Municipality has committed to providing a financial injection of €1.465 million.
“We are living cautiously. Take care, and you will be protected,” concluded Venslovaitienė.
Source: https://www.15min.lt/sportas/naujiena/futbolas/vilniaus-zalgiris-pristate-biudzeta-ir-atsargu-stadiono-remonto-plana-24-2396920
