A. Tapinas after the end of the 'Žalgiris' journey in Europe: 'We will see how we look in 3-4 years'

2026-08-14 17:58 © E. Žaldario

The first trip of Vilnius "Žalgiris" with the new management, led by Andrius Tapinas and Tadas Burgailas with "Kilo Health," ended at the third stage of the Conference League qualifiers after overcoming two barriers, but fell against the Croatian vice-champions Split "Hajduk."

The legendary "Hajduk" was too much of a challenge, but until then everything was very good – the Montenegrin club "Petrovac" was defeated in a tidy style, and there was a historic comeback in Liepkalnis against another legendary club, Tbilisi "Dinamo."

Providing a sharp comment, "Žalgiris" president Andrius Tapinas did not hang his head.

On social media, A. Tapinas said: "Our European journey has ended. No miracles happened. It ended, of course, rather painfully – the first half was very good, it seemed we were going for a draw, and then the first, second goal, and... the team fell apart, probably due to a lack of physical strength, it's still incredibly hot here in Split.

It is what it is, that was the third stage. As we say, let's wait 3-4 years and then we'll see how "Žalgiris" looks in Europe.

And now everything – we are going home, and the essential thing is the Lithuanian championship. We saw today how important it is to become champions and start the game from the Champions League qualifiers. Everything is in the hands of Vilnius "Žalgiris." 11 finals – 11 matches, we will need maximum support at the "Žalgiris" stadium. The championship continues. We move on."

A. Tapinas also invited everyone to the upcoming "Žalgiris" home game against Gargždai "Banga."

"Hajduk" defeated the "Žalgiris" team with an aggregate score of 9:2.