Erika Šupelytė joined Gintra before this season, quickly settling in, earning the coach's trust and establishing herself in the starting eleven. She has started 18 of 19 matches and scored seven goals.
The recently turned 20-year-old midfielder is also entrusted with free kicks. Having mastered that skill, she has repeatedly scored from distance, most recently an expertly placed free kick to beat former club MFA Žalgiris-MRU.
Already a Lithuania senior international, she eagerly awaits a Champions League debut and approaches the decisive Baltic League matches with determination.
– You joined six months ago. How did you find your role so quickly, and what helped most?
– The whole team helped me feel fully included immediately. After the first sessions, I knew things would go well. I knew some players through the national team, and the coaches trusted me and gave opportunities from the start. I tried not to disappoint them. I knew a place in a competitive team required hard training and total match commitment. Things haven't always worked, but the key is believing, listening to coaches and learning from mistakes.
– Does wearing the champions' shirt bring extra responsibility, and how do you handle it?
– Certainly, but it should be a challenge rather than a burden. Everyone in Lithuanian women's football knows Gintra's status and aims. That should intimidate opponents, not us, although everyone wants to do well against champions. We must win and defend our titles. Even after poorer matches, we need stronger character and a winning mentality.
– You're a leading free-kick taker and have scored beautiful long-range winners. Is that skill mainly luck or practice?
– I've worked on it extensively and still practise after sessions. It requires technique and work, with some luck in each situation. Without developing the skill, I doubt I'd be taking free kicks. I also thank the coach for trusting me and try not to disappoint him or my teammates.
– How do you assess the A League halfway through and the decisive Baltic League stage?
– Žalgiris are close behind, ready to exploit any slip. We soon face a vital meeting we must win for greater security. Only decisive Baltic League matches remain, with no room for error. We have home advantage and hope to reach the final, where the sole aim is defending the title.
– What does September's Champions League tournament in Šiauliai mean to you, and what can supporters expect?
– These matches always generate the most excitement because the Champions League is the highest level. That explains what it means to us. It's an opportunity collectively and individually. We want to perform well and reward the stadium crowd. We hope strong support inspires extra energy to fight for every inch. Only by giving our whole hearts can we achieve more.
Gintra face Riga SFK in the Baltic League semi-final on 8 August at Šiauliai Central Stadium at 18:00. Admission is free: support the team on the road to the final!
Šiauliai hosts Champions League qualifying on 6–9 September. In Group 8, the Lithuanian champions compete for one main-tournament place against Welsh champions Cardiff City, Scotland's Glasgow City and Irish champions Shelbourne.
Gintra face Cardiff City in the semi-final.
Stand with the team: every supporter's presence at the stadium matters! Buy your tickets now through this link.