Lithuanian champions Gintra of Šiauliai are writing a new chapter in the country's women's football history. They will debut in the newly established UEFA Women's Europa League, facing Danish runners-up FC Nordsjælland of Farum in the second qualifying round.
Ahead of this historic meeting, we spoke with Head Coach Steve Beeks about preparation, the opponents and the key aspects of the challenge.
– Debuting in the inaugural UEFA Women's Europa League opens a new chapter for Gintra and Lithuanian women's football. What does this stage bring?
– First, it is a major step for European women's football as a whole. The game is reaching another level, apparent in growing interest, full stands, broadcasts and the quality demonstrated at this level. I believe the new competition brings necessary changes to smaller clubs too. Everyone must raise their standards, because working semi-professionally is no longer enough.
– The draw paired Gintra with Danish runners-up Nordsjælland. What can you say about them?
– They are very strong and have challenged for Denmark's top places for several years. There is no doubt about that country's women's football standard. We can acknowledge they are favourites, but that gives us an advantage: we can shed the burden we always carry domestically as favourites. We have nothing to lose here, and that can help us. Most importantly, we must understand that every moment of this tie is memorable and unique and enjoy it.
– With a demanding schedule and important European and A League matches, how are you managing preparation and rotation?
– It is our biggest coaching challenge. The schedule is not favourable: we play many matches in a short period, and the A League fixtures are the most important of the season. There is little time to prepare or recover, making this difficult. But we have a plan to preserve as much freshness as possible. Every player must be fully ready, committed and show character.
– What is the most important objective in the first leg in Šiauliai?
– Keeping the tie alive for Denmark. We must stay close and remain in contention. That would add pressure on our opponents and give us belief and a scent of opportunity. We have a balanced squad and can compete at a very high level when we follow our plan and show determination. As I said, we must enjoy every moment in Šiauliai. We hope for at least as much support as during Champions League qualifying, when the crowd motivated and drove us forward, particularly against the Romanian club.
– What useful experience can we bring from that Champions League qualifying tournament?
– Gintra have an extensive UEFA history and can be proud of being an experienced organisation that has seen many things. Barcelona, AC Milan and other elite European clubs have visited, so our experience is built over many years. The current squad's experience in the recent tournament is also important. We know what to expect and what level of preparation, commitment and determination we must demand of ourselves to produce our best.
– Home support has often lifted the team. What message would you give football supporters?
– Football is about the big occasions and matches we anticipate all year, which bring prestige and excitement. UEFA competitions are exactly that. This matters to the club, the whole city and supporters who have the privilege of watching – top-level football in their own city. Come to the stadium and bring friends, parents, grandparents and aunts. This is a special occasion not to miss, whatever the weather or other reasons. I am from England, and believe me, it is no warmer there, but temperature has little effect on whether supporters attend. We hope to see packed stands on Tuesday and feel the atmosphere before kick-off.
Gintra play their first second-round UEFA Women's Europa League qualifier at Šiauliai Stadium on 7 October at 18:00. The return takes place in Denmark on 15 October. This round and subsequent stages use a home-and-away format.
We invite all football supporters to back the national champions and become part of this special story. Club partner Ticketmarket is selling tickets for the Šiauliai match. Buy them via this link.