Monday, 9 November 2026
Lithuania

FK Panevėžys search for new manager as Toni Korkeakunnas returns to Finland

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Photo: FK Panevėžys

FK Panevėžys face a major off-season rebuild after head coach Toni Korkeakunnas announced his departure following a 1-2 defeat to FA Šiauliai. The Finnish coach will return home to take up the role of sports director at Gnistan.

FK Panevėžys face a significant off-season overhaul following the departure of head coach Toni Korkeakunnas, who announced his exit after concluding the domestic campaign with a 1-2 home defeat against in-form FA Šiauliai.

The Finnish specialist will return home to take up the role of sports director at Veikkausliiga side Gnistan, who secured an impressive fifth-place finish in the Finnish top flight this season. Korkeakunnas leaves Panevėžys after guiding the club to a seventh-place finish in Toplyga, alongside a competitive European run that featured a strong showing against Kazakh outfit Tobol in the UEFA Conference League second qualifying round.

Korkeakunnas’ tenure in Aukštaitija was memorable from the outset. Known for his animated touchline persona, the Finn was shown a red card during his very first match in charge of the club. Beyond his fiery demeanour, he earned plaudits for integrating fresh talent into the squad, most notably nurturing young full-back Dovydas Balsys, who went on to claim the September-October Toplyga Young Player of the Month award.

Speaking at his final press conference following the defeat to Šiauliai, Korkeakunnas reflected on his time in Lithuania:

“It is very frustrating that we failed to finish the season the way we wanted. I think that over the last three months we improved significantly. Once we put the squad together and Bizoza and Keita joined us, we became a completely different team.

“I want to sincerely thank the fans who were with us all season, even when the results were not what we expected. Your support always gives the players extra strength.

“The people of Panevėžys welcomed me very warmly. It was a very pleasant period, full of ups and downs. I am grateful to everyone for this time. I think in every match we showed that we could fight for victory. Unfortunately, we were unable to do that today.”

Source: 11×11.lt