The winning streak in the “Betsafe-LKL” championship was extended by the basketball players of Kaunas “Žalgiris” (21-2), who 83:77 (22:16, 28:24, 18:18, 15:19) beat Panevėžys “7bet-Lietkabelis” team (13-10).
However, Zalgiris’ strategist Andrea Trinchieri was not satisfied with this match, who said that it was a step backwards.
“I am happy for the victory, the match at a difficult time, but psychologically this match was a step back. The team led by a double-digit margin, but relaxed and did not show proper concentration,” said A. Trinchieri.
– How to quickly get back into the right mentality, as the match against AS Monaco awaits?
– You should go to “Iki” or “Maxima” and buy it. It’s not something you can suddenly get, you work for it all year. We took not one but two steps back and now we have 72 hours to find the right mentality to play a very difficult game against one of the best teams in Europe and away. I believe we have everything to play with the right mentality, because otherwise it is better to stay at home.
– Deividas Sirvydis scored 23 points. Is it possible to cover this guy?
– Mentality. He made some tough shots late in the game, but he started the match with easy points, our silly fouls and stuff like that. When he’s fired up, he also throws hard. We didn’t shut him down early in the game, he got a feel for his shot and because he’s a very good and experienced player, he became a factor. The work should have been done earlier because after a good start it gets late.
– Before the match, you spoke with Aneta and Jurgita Kaušaitei. Aneta is the first Lithuanian to play in the world’s strongest women’s WNBA league. What were you talking about?
– I found out that they now live in Norway. It was sad that they were no longer in basketball. They said it was too complicated, but I told them that when they played, they were tough, now nothing is easy. But it was a fun conversation, I like their mentality.
– Is it difficult to play on Easter?
– I played on Christmas, I played on January 1, we also played on Easter. I know the rules of this business and everything suits me. It’s good when people can come to the game because it’s not a working day.
– Did you like Easter in Lithuania?
“Like it or not, I have to do it.” I am in a good place, people are extremely nice, “Zalgiris” is a big thing in Kaunas. I feel in a very good place. Of course I miss home, but my family was here, so it was all good.
