[ad_1]
Kaunas Žalgiris, who has not received much resistance, takes home the first trophy of the season. Kaunas residents defended the title of champions of the Citadele – King Mindaugas Cup tournament.
Žalgiris’s team in the deciding match of the four finalists held in Panevėžys 76:69 (19: 8, 18:20, 21:13, 18:28) defeated Panevėžys “Lietkabelis”.
The Žalgiris strategist after the game Martin Schiller He repeatedly highlighted how much fun it is to win trophies, as this is rare in a coaching career. The coach spoke about the special feeling after receiving the cup from Paulius Jankūnas, emphasized the contributions of Rokas Jokubaitis and Karolis Lukošiūnas to the victory, discussed the last four MVPs. Joffrey Lauvergne’o extended contract and his desire to be in “Žalgiris” and revealed how he would like to celebrate the victory.
“It just came to our knowledge then. It’s a bit strange that there are no fans and so there is a lack of emotion, everyone just breaks their hands, but inside those emotions are full. I am very excited about this trophy. Our club wins trophies often, we are favorites, but winning is not easy and I am happy about that. In terms of the match, we kept Lietkabelis with 41 points after three halves and that defense was the key to victory. advantage, they kept fast players on the field who were able to reduce accumulation, but our character and leadership, especially Thomas Walkup, allowed us to take control of the situation and allowed us to win.
– What does the first title of your career mean to you personally?
– I have won my first title in the G League, but this is my first title in Europe. I am especially happy. As a professional coach or player, you don’t have much of a chance to win trophies, so it’s a very rewarding feeling.
– We saw a different start to the match than the semi-finals. How did you manage to get the team going from the beginning?
– The men did a good job in defense, and then things get easier. My players put a lot of pressure and it wasn’t easy for them. It is a great pleasure that the players are totally focused not only on the field, but also from the morning we started talking about the final. Rokas Jokubaitis, who was full of energy and completely focused on work, also made a big impact.
– J. Lauvergne became the MVP of KMP. How do you comment on his leadership and importance in this tournament?
– Yesterday it was a very important player who changed the game. On the other hand, he is everyone’s favorite person, he believes a lot in what he does, he has great faith in his own strength, he never makes a fuss when he wants to ask something or does not know something. When you put it all together, you get a great teammate and a great student.
– J. Lauvergne has recently extended the contract with “Žalgiris”. What was your role in that?
– The process was easy because he and his agent wanted to stay here. The contract was negotiated very quickly. He feels good here and wants to continue working here and for him with great joy. With us, each coach works with certain players, and Arne Waltman works with him and found a very good connection between them. I think Mr Waltman has discovered something that makes Mr Lauvergne very comfortable and that helps.
– How did you feel when Paulius Jankūnas handed you the cup and what kind of support do you feel from the players of this team from day one in Kaunas?
– The feeling was special. Paul has won many times and I have not, so it is very special to me. There is not much chance of winning something in a race, so you should make the most of the opportunities that are offered. A very nice gesture from P.Jankūnas, I am supported by the whole team and it was very important from the beginning for us all to be together. Jankis, Milas, Marius, Thomas, they all supported me a lot and it was very important to join the team.
– How is it that this final four made it possible to feel the potential of your players?
– I have to watch the game, but you are absolutely right, those games show the level of the team. I would like to mention Karolis Lukošiūnas, who did a very good job. He is not in our rotation in important games, but Lukas Lekavičius fell due to COVID-19, Milas was injured and Karolis is doing a very good job in training and today he played a great game.
– “Žalgiris” has deep traditions of celebration. What do you expect in the locker room?
– I have heard about the traditions of the celebration, I have seen a little. It’s really special, but now I don’t know what to expect. Personally, I just want to go home to a family who couldn’t be here, but my wife and two daughters actually watched the game and are very excited. I just want to celebrate and relax with them.
[ad_2]
