Lithuania head coach Edgaras Jankauskas says his side must believe they can challenge Georgia when the teams meet in Sunday’s friendly in Kaunas.
Speaking before Saturday’s training session at Darius and Girėnas Stadium, Jankauskas confirmed winger Tomas Kalinauskas will miss the match after suffering a muscle injury in Moldova. The rest of the squad are expected to be available.
Jankauskas took encouragement from Thursday’s performance in Moldova, saying his side had controlled the game more clearly than it first appeared. He said Lithuania were solid for almost the entire contest, aside from a spell early in the second half when they allowed the hosts one dangerous opening.
He also said Georgia’s 2-2 draw with Israel showed both their quality and their weaknesses. Jankauskas described the visitors as a powerful side with a standout figure known across world football, in reference to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, but said they are not unbeatable and can be exposed. He added that Lithuania must work hard to target those areas and find a way through on Sunday.
The coach was also pleased to give opportunities to more players in midweek, with Žygimantas Baltrūnas and German-born Lukas Michelbrink making their senior debuts. He said the newcomers settled well into both the group and the match, and hopes the positive mood from victory can be carried into another demanding test.
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Source: https://www.lff.lt/e-jankauskas-pries-dvikova-su-sakartvelu-galinga-komanda-bet-ji-nera-neiveikiama/
