Ž. Sopičius after the victory over Bešiktaş: 'I believe the whole country is proud'

2026-08-28 10:19 © L. Žemgulio

FK "Kauno Žalgirio” football players defeated the Turkish giant – Istanbul "Beşiktaş” team 1:0 at the Darius and Girėnas Stadium. After the match, the head coach Željko Sopić shared his emotions.

"I believe that we gave our fans a great match this evening. I understand that "Beşiktaş” did not play with their strongest starting lineup, but we did the same. In the end, I am very proud of my team. I believe that not only our fans but the whole country is proud of how we fought. Sometimes there are days when you play better, sometimes worse, but the most important thing is to understand that we defeated the "Beşiktaş” team. I genuinely can’t believe it. Of course, it is normal that "Beşiktaş” is a more solid team, which is why they deserved to get past this stage, but today we were better,” rejoiced Ž. Sopić.

The strategist also shared his thoughts ahead of the UEFA Conference League group stage matches, which await for the first time in the club's history.

"We have a lot of confidence, but we must understand that it won’t be easy, as we are in last place and will play against two or three teams of the same level as "Beşiktaş”. It won’t be easy for us – I already said that at the beginning of the Conference League we will be a better team, which will have reached better sporting form. As I told my boys, we will have to enjoy,” added Ž. Sopić.