Černiauskas: International break comes at the right time after derby loss

Kauno Žalgiris coach E. Černiauskas acknowledged the team's struggles following a 1-0 derby loss to Vilnius Žalgiris, a match that drew a season-high 8,308 spectators. He noted that while the team often shows good play, a persistent winless streak is affecting morale.

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We don't like losing, we don't like dropping points. That's normal. Especially after last season and the start of this season, everyone was used to winning. Now every game is a pressure cooker, and self-confidence is decreasing.

"We don't like losing, we don't like dropping points. That's normal," Černiauskas said. "Especially after last season and the start of this season, everyone was used to winning. Now every game is a pressure cooker, and self-confidence is decreasing."

The coach pointed to a single defensive error as the turning point in the match, which allowed Vilnius Žalgiris to score the decisive goal. He lamented the team's inability to convert early chances and capitalize on opportunities, stating, "We need to create more chances if we want to score goals."

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We need to create more chances if we want to score goals.

Despite the recent difficulties, Kauno Žalgiris remains second in the TOPLYGA standings, trailing leaders Telšių Džiugas. Černiauskas expressed hope that the upcoming international break will provide a much-needed respite for both players and staff to reflect, learn from their mistakes, and prepare for future matches. "The break for the national teams has come at the right time," he stated. "We need to calm down a bit, relax, both coaches and players, draw conclusions, and look forward."

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The break for the national teams has come at the right time. We need to calm down a bit, relax, both coaches and players, draw conclusions, and look forward.