Lithuanian champions FK Kauno Žalgiris have announced the departure of head coach Eivinas Černiauskas following the club’s 0-1 home defeat to Banga Gargždai.
The decision brings an end to the 41-year-old’s successful eighteen-month spell at the club, during which he guided Kauno Žalgiris to the first Lithuanian championship in the club’s history and added the Lithuanian Super Cup earlier this year.
Černiauskas initially joined Kauno Žalgiris ahead of the 2024 season as an assistant coach before taking over as head coach in 2025. Under his leadership, the club enjoyed its most successful campaign, winning the Toplyga title for the first time and ending the dominance of Vilnius Žalgiris and Panevežys in recent years.
However, a dramatic downturn in form during the 2026 campaign ultimately proved costly. The defeat against Banga extended Kauno Žalgiris’ winless streak in the Lithuanian championship to eight consecutive matches, leaving the defending champions struggling to keep pace in the title race.
Club president Mantas Kalnietis admitted the decision was a difficult one, given Černiauskas’ role in the club’s historic achievements. “It is very painful to part ways with a coach with whom we won our first championship title. Unfortunately, the recent run has lasted too long and we believe changes are needed to shake up the team. We will remain grateful to Eivinas for a long time. Under his leadership the club moved forward, but the time has come for change,” Kalnietis said.
Kauno Žalgiris thanked Černiauskas for his contribution to the club and wished him success in the next stage of his coaching career.
The club has not yet announced who will take charge of the team on an interim or permanent basis as they look to revive their season.
Source: https://zalgiris.lt/naujienos/kauno-zalgiris-atsisveikino-su-vyr-treneriu-e-cerniausku
