FK Kauno Žalgiris will kick off their UEFA Europa Conference League campaign this Thursday, facing Welsh side Penybont in the first qualifying round. Anticipation is high as the Lithuanian club prepares to showcase its strength on the European stage.
A day before the match, head coach Eivinas Černiauskas and team captain Gratas Sirgėdas addressed the media in a press conference, sharing their thoughts on the upcoming fixture and the team’s mindset going into the competition.
Coach Černiauskas: “This is not just another match”
“We’ve been preparing diligently and are looking forward to the match,” said Černiauskas. “European games are always different. We wait half a year for moments like these and prepare constantly. This won’t be an ordinary day. We aim to show the best version of ourselves.”
When asked about the club’s goals in the UEFA qualifiers, the head coach emphasized a step-by-step approach.
“We don’t get to experience European football every day. We want to make the most of this opportunity, go as far as possible, and enjoy this journey for as long as we can. Preparation is different for everyone: players, coaches, the club as a whole. Our first goal is clear: to get through the first round. After that, we’ll set new objectives.”
Sirgėdas: “Now is the perfect time to play in Europe”
Gratas Sirgėdas, one of the team’s captains and recently voted A lyga’s Player of the Month, expressed optimism about the team’s form.
“We’re in the middle of our season, and we’ve been on a winning streak. I believe this is the best moment to play in Europe. We’re excited that the time has finally come.”
The first-leg match will be held at the Central Stadium of Jonava, a venue familiar to Žalgiris players, who have already played there this season.
“Of course, playing at home helps,” Černiauskas added. “We’ve gotten used to the pitch at Darius and Girėnas Stadium, and naturally we’d prefer to play there. But the situation is what it is. Fortunately, the club arranged for us to play a friendly match in Jonava earlier this year, so the stadium isn’t foreign to us. It’s a cozy venue, and the pitch is in great condition. I don’t think this will be a problem for us.”
Expecting a physical challenge from Penybont
Discussing their upcoming opponents, Černiauskas noted that Penybont is known for a physically demanding style of play.
“I expect a very physical match with lots of duels and aerial balls,” he said. “Their domestic season ended a while ago, and they’ve played a number of closed-door friendlies, so information is limited. We’re relying mostly on footage from last season. Their coach has been with the club for nearly a decade, so we expect their style and philosophy to remain consistent. We know what to expect and we’re ready for it.”
Sirgėdas echoed this assessment, saying the game presents a unique challenge compared to domestic competition.
“The coaches have introduced us to their players, they’re a very physical team with a clear tactical approach, lots of long balls,” he said. “We don’t really have a similar opponent in the A Lyga. It’ll be a good test for us, a chance to adapt to their style and try to impose our strengths on them.”
Kauno Žalgiris will be looking to take a strong step forward in Europe this week as they aim to advance past the first round and build momentum in the UEFA Europa Conference League.
Source: https://zalgiris.lt/naujienos/e-cerniauskas-pries-konferenciju-lygos-starta-norime-cia-zaisti-kuo-ilgiau
