Vladimir Vassiljev says “positive changes are already visible” at Liepāja after taking charge for the first time in a goalless friendly derby against Grobiņa.
Despite it being a friendly, the new head coach treated the match against city rivals as a useful test of the work done since his arrival. “A valuable and necessary game. Overall, I was left with positive impressions,” Vassiljev told club’s media. “But there are many things which, so to speak, are still under the players’ skin. Things we need to get rid of.”
Former Paide manager pointed to discipline and tactical understanding as the immediate priorities, rather than mentality. He said the squad is trying to follow instructions but not everyone yet understands their role fully. “We’ll fix that,” he added.
Liepāja spent long spells in the opposition half, Vassiljev said, but created too few clear chances and lacked threat in the decisive phase of attacks. He expects a different picture when the sides meet again in a competitive fixture.
Saturday’s game also served as a high-intensity training session, with players working under load and minutes shared evenly through multiple substitutions. Vassiljev said his main focus was collective responsibility and togetherness in both phases: “Attack and defend together, and understand how and where we need to move.”
One of the key moments for Liepāja was the long-awaited return of Jānis Grīnbergs, who had been out for almost 18 months. “It’s a very pleasant and positive moment. We were waiting for Jānis on the pitch,” Vassiljev said, adding that starting him from the opening minutes helped the staff assess his current condition.
Attention now turns to Liepāja’s next Virsliga assignment at home to Super Nova on 12th of June, which the new coach described as both important and difficult. “A positive result is very important, and that can only be a win,” he said.
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Source: https://fkliepaja.lv/lv/2026/06/07/vladimirs-vasiljevs-pozitivas-izmainas-jau-redzamas/
