Dinamo Tbilisi Coach Warns of Dangers Ahead of Vilnius Return Leg

Georgian coach Giorgi Tkeshelashvili has cautioned his Dinamo Tbilisi team against complacency as they prepare for the second leg of their Europa Conference League qualifier against Žalgiris Vilnius. Despite holding a commanding three-goal lead from the first match in Tbilisi, Tkeshelashvili emphasized that the tie is far from over.

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We saw not only fighting football but also good play on the field. We tried to maintain the same tempo in the second half. Unfortunately, we couldn't score more goals after the break, but it's important that we didn't concede either.

"We saw not only fighting football but also good play on the field," Tkeshelashvili stated, reflecting on the first leg. "We tried to maintain the same tempo in the second half. Unfortunately, we couldn't score more goals after the break, but it's important that we didn't concede either." He acknowledged the contribution of foreign players to the team's success, suggesting they posed difficulties for Žalgiris's defense.

However, Tkeshelashvili is wary of the return leg in Vilnius. "I looked unhappy, although we won? I have no right to say I am unhappy. The guys played a fantastic game. Today we took a big step towards the third qualifying round, but there are still return matches in Vilnius, where they will play on artificial turf," he noted. He believes the conditions in Vilnius will present a different challenge for his team.

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I looked unhappy, although we won? I have no right to say I am unhappy. The guys played a fantastic game. Today we took a big step towards the third qualifying round, but there are still return matches in Vilnius, where they will play on artificial turf.

"I just think we could have scored more, and the opponents also created dangerous chances. Only the first half of this duel has ended, so we are waiting for the return match. This result does not mean that everything is over," Tkeshelashvili added, underscoring the need for continued focus and effort. The coach also mentioned that the team must prepare for a Georgian Cup match on Sunday, despite the tight schedule.

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I just think we could have scored more, and the opponents also created dangerous chances. Only the first half of this duel has ended, so we are waiting for the return match. This result does not mean that everything is over.