Gintra of Šiauliai continue their European football journey this season and depart for Austria today. On Wednesday in Graz, the team face SK Sturm Graz in the first leg of the first UEFA Europa Cup qualifying round.
Ahead of the trip to Austria, Head Coach Artūr Sikorskij shares his thoughts on the team's journey, their opponents and the upcoming two-legged tie.
– This European season has already brought plenty of emotion. How do you assess the team's journey so far?
I think our European journey has been really enjoyable so far. We faced teams of different levels and styles in UEFA Champions League qualifying, so every match gave us valuable experience. Of course, you always want more, but what matters most to me is that we showed character and belief on the pitch. I think we proved we can compete even against teams with greater resources.
– This year you avenged earlier defeats against Riga clubs. Did those victories carry extra emotional significance for the team?
Yes, of course victories like those always have an extra emotional dimension, especially after previous defeats. But we tried not to focus too much on the past. Our priority was to show we are a stronger team today. I think those wins gave the players even more confidence and showed that hard work in training pays off.
– This was your debut as a Head Coach in the UEFA Women's Champions League. What were the most important lessons and experiences you took from the tournament?
Personally, it was a very important and fascinating experience. I had the opportunity to test myself in high-level matches and feel an atmosphere that genuinely inspires you to aim higher. I learned where I still need to improve as a coach, how to make decisions in different match situations and how to prepare the team even better for that level. At the same time, the experience gave me a lot of confidence and showed I can compete at this level. I hope we continue to stand united and approach this new challenge with enormous desire and energy.
– UEFA Europa Cup qualifying now awaits. How important is it to maintain that winning, competitive spirit?
It is very important. We do not want to see these matches as some kind of second chance. This is a new competition and a new objective. I tell the players that every European match is an opportunity to grow and showcase themselves and the club. We want to retain the energy we had in Champions League qualifying in Denmark, brought back to Lithuania and showed in the Baltic League match in Riga.
– Your next opponents are Austria's Sturm Graz. What have you learned about them and what sort of team do you expect?
We see a physically strong, intense and well-organised team. They have several outstanding individuals, so it will be important to control their transitions and prevent them from settling into a rhythm from the start. We have prepared a game plan that will give us a good chance if we follow it.
– The first leg is in Graz and the return in Šiauliai. How important is a favourable result in Austria before the home leg?
Very important. Of course, a two-legged tie has its own character, and nothing will be decided after the first 90 minutes, whatever happens. But we want to bring back a result that puts us in a good position for the return. We are certainly not travelling simply to protect a goalless score. We will play to win, and to do that we must maintain maximum concentration from the first minute to the last.
– The home match kicks off at the unusual time of 12:00. What would you say to supporters, and why could their presence be especially important in this European match?
It is certainly not a usual football kick-off time, but circumstances beyond our control have led to it. Despite the inconvenient timing, we hope to see our supporters in the stands. We have enjoyed active support since the start of the season and can see our community growing. They inspire us and stand by us not only when we win, but also during difficult moments. Every detail can matter in European matches, and supporters' energy can give the team extra strength. On behalf of all the players, I invite everyone to the stadium to support their city's footballers and provide the energy from the stands that we will really need.
The first leg in Graz takes place on Wednesday at 20:00 Lithuanian time, with the return in Šiauliai on 2 September at 12:00. Information about the live broadcast from Graz will be shared on our social media shortly.