A. Skerla: very tough matches await in Podgorica

2026-07-08 15:23 © fkzalgiris.lt

The Vilnius "Žalgiris" team faces its first official international test of the year on Thursday – a UEFA Conference League match against OFK "Petrovac" away.

On Wednesday, the team from Vilnius arrived in Podgorica and held its final rehearsal at the match stadium.

Team coach Andrius Skerla spoke the night before the match about the encounter with a disciplined team that has an experienced defense line.

"As far as we know, they started training about a month after the season began. They played four matches, got three wins, one loss. Essentially, I see a very well-organized, defensive team. They have experienced players in the defense line who haven't changed since last season and always play together. What's ahead? I think very difficult matches await. We need to understand that we must bring back a positive result," said the "Žalgiris" strategist.

The "Žalgiris" players also played in the Lithuanian championship over the weekend. "We had three days, so it was basically recovery. We analyzed a lot of video footage of how the opponents play, we talked about their game. There wasn't much preparation, but everything is fine," said the coach.

When asked about potential provocations often associated with Balkan teams, the coach stated that he hadn't noticed any.

"From what I've seen, I don't think that can happen. Although, you know, anything can happen, but I don't think too much about it. I believe this opponent is definitely within our capabilities, and I see that we will put in all efforts to overcome them," stated the coach.

Discussing the team's athletic form, A. Skerla admitted that "Žalgiris" is not yet in optimal condition, but the newcomers are already bringing benefits to the team.

"As you know, we have signed several players; they are integrated and have played a few matches. Of course, it takes time. But, as I always say, there is no time. Still, I think they have settled in well and added some solidity to the team," said the coach.

When media representatives inquired about the selection process for new players, the coach stated that he was constantly involved in it.

"All newcomers went through our filter together (with the sports director – ed. note), and there were countless players reviewed. I'm glad that we managed to persuade some of those who are already here. It was not just one meeting – we had to talk through video calls, we had to convince. I believe we did a really good job," he said.

When asked about the newcomer from Ukraine, Ivan Litvinenko, the coach stated that the player still needs time. "He has been with us for a couple of weeks now, but he still needs to integrate. I'm looking for time for him, and he will get it. We brought him in to play. His physical condition is not bad; I see that he can handle the loads. He will get more playing time soon, and we will see," said A. Skerla.

Although the temperature in Montenegro exceeds 30 degrees during the day, the team trains and plays in the evening. In the coach's opinion, the weather conditions in Montenegro at that time should not become a problem.

"I think that about a week and a half ago, when we played in Telšiai (in excessive heat – ed. note), it was worse. What I see and feel now are really good conditions, and I don't think it's a problem," he said.

Speaking about the team’s problems, the coach highlighted that the defensive play has been improving lately.

"The reasons have been visible from the very beginning, but we repeated those mistakes. Nonetheless, in the last two matches, one can perceive stability in terms of defense – it has improved somewhat. I think the opponents in the last matches did not have many chances. I demand that from the players, as that was the biggest problem I saw since my arrival. The moments related to defense were not the best, and we suffered from that," stated the "Žalgiris" coach.

The match between "Petrovac" and "Žalgiris" will take place on Thursday in Podgorica, with the match starting at 21:45 Lithuanian time. The match will be broadcast live on TV3 and online on the tv3.lt portal.