Former FA "Šiauliai" Coach Mantas Kuklys Reflects on Departure, Cites Lack of Trust

Mantas Kuklys, recently departed from his role as head coach of FA "Šiauliai," has shared his reflections on his time with the club, emphasizing that his primary regret stems not from the separation itself, but from the circumstances under which it occurred.

Kuklys expressed sincere gratitude to the club's management, Gintas and Deivis, for the trust and opportunity to lead the team. He also extended thanks to his coaching staff, team personnel, players, and especially his family for their unwavering support. Acknowledging the team's performance fell short of expectations, Kuklys accepted full responsibility as head coach and apologized to the Šiauliai football community.

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The results were not what we expected, and as head coach, I take full responsibility for them. I apologize to the entire Šiauliai football community, because I understand that football is measured by results. However, I believe that the people who were inside the team every day saw how much work was put in and what path we tried to follow.

"The results were not what we expected, and as head coach, I take full responsibility for them," Kuklys stated. "I apologize to the entire Šiauliai football community, because I understand that football is measured by results. However, I believe that the people who were inside the team every day saw how much work was put in and what path we tried to follow."

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In all of this story, one word struck me the most – trust. Sometimes it is asked for, sometimes it is declared, but only in difficult times does it become clear how much of it there really is.

He highlighted "trust" as the most significant word that resonated with him, noting that while trust is sometimes requested or declared, its true depth is only revealed during challenging moments. Despite the difficulties, Kuklys stands by his decision to take the risk, believing in his work and the people he collaborated with. His deepest disappointment lies in the fact that these events unfolded in his hometown, Šiauliai, a place where he had always aspired to contribute his football experience.

Kuklys concluded by stating he will continue to support FA "Šiauliai" as a fan and wished his successor, Dovyda Lastauskas, success. He also addressed public criticism, accepting that critique is part of the job but urged for fairness, emphasizing that judgments should not be made without understanding the team's internal dynamics and daily efforts. He remains open to discussions about football, tactics, and coaching, believing in mutual learning.

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What hurts the most is not that our paths have diverged. What hurts the most is that it happened in my hometown, where I always wanted to give all my accumulated experience in football.