Disappointed 'Žalgiris' Coach Laments Defensive Errors After Heavy Defeat, Praises Young Opponent

FK "Žalgiris" faces a significant challenge after a decisive 0-3 defeat against Dinamo Tbilisi in the first leg of their international competition. The loss places the Lithuanian club in a precarious position, needing a substantial turnaround in the second leg to advance.

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You saw the match yourselves. There were moments when we controlled the ball, but there were no episodes where we could break out on counter-attacks. Especially in the first half, we lost the ball, and the reverse reaction happened – they ran into counter-attacks. It seems we were prepared for that, but we made many mistakes. What is most regrettable in these matches is that those moments the opponents didn't capitalize on… We conceded very weak goals, and in those moments, we could have played better. Then the result would have been different.

The match, held at Mikheil Meskhi Stadium, saw Dinamo Tbilisi capitalize on critical errors by "Žalgiris" in the opening half. Goals from Numan Kurdić, Leo Santos, and Nikoloz Ugrekhelidze within 15 minutes effectively sealed the victory for the Georgian side. "Žalgiris" struggled to establish control, often losing possession and leaving themselves vulnerable to counter-attacks.

Following the match, "Žalgiris" coach A. Skerla voiced his frustration, particularly with the team's defensive lapses. "We conceded very weak goals, and in those moments, we could have played better," Skerla stated, highlighting that three goals stemmed from set pieces and individual mistakes. He noted a lack of concentration and defensive positioning as key issues.

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Concentration… It's easy to talk now. You simply saw the goals – three standard situations, the goalkeeper saved, but we made a mistake somewhere again. We weren't near the opposing players who scored such goals… This is a bit regrettable because these are problematic situations.

Despite the scoreline, "Žalgiris" held a slight advantage in ball possession (53% to 47%). However, Dinamo Tbilisi proved more clinical, with more shots on target (10 to 3). Skerla also singled out the impressive performance of 16-year-old Tornike Kvaratskhelia, brother of Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. "I am very surprised that a 16-year-old player is so physically strong and talented. I think another star is growing here," Skerla commented, impressed by the young player's confidence and skill.

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Not physicality, but varied play – they really outplayed us one-on-one in certain moments and created dangerous chances where our goalkeeper really played well today and saved the team. The goals were very weak. Overall, I would prefer not to concede goals, but some were very regrettable.

The return leg is scheduled for July 30 in Vilnius. The winner of this tie will face the loser of the match between HNK Hajduk Split and Pafos FC in the third qualifying round of the Conference League.

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We knew, we watched videos and saw his strengths. I am very surprised that a 16-year-old player is so physically strong and talented. I think another star is growing here. We saw those moments when he has the ball and is not afraid to play, confidently dribbles, tries, fights well, has no fear. This surprises me a lot.