A. Trinchieri, who saw Arno’s smile, criticized the newcomer: “We will not stop the train because of him”

Žalgiris already accumulated a 24-point lead in the first half and eventually won 95:68.

“We were solid. We showed good concentration for three quarters, we lost it a little in the fourth, but it was not easy to maintain it when you lead by 40 points. I think we played a solid game, shared the minutes, nobody got injured. I think it was a solid match”, A. Trinchieri repeated the same statement several times.

A few weeks ago, his team lost to Klaipėda “Neptun” in a two-overtime drama, but then achieved two resounding victories. Some time ago, the Žalgiris team even beat Jonava’s CBet 101:57. How does a coach manage to keep his players motivated and focused during a season when they have practically secured first place in the LKL regular season?

“If I had a secret way, they would be motivated for all four quarters, not three. “This is a group of players who deserve respect because they work hard,” said the Italian. – We have organized two very difficult training sessions, because this is the last stage when we can still train. We were a bit tired in the last half, but I knew it would be. I want us to be able to play under any circumstances. We have a task ahead of us, and the motivation is determined by the fact that we want to win the title. That’s why we come to the training hall every day with a purpose.”

True, when asked about Demetre Rivers, who joined the team a few weeks ago, A. Trinchieri did not spare bitter words for his rookie, who played only 10 minutes and scored 3 points.

“He looked very bad today. His processor wasn’t running at the right speed. When you have a long rotation of players, whoever is next in line plays. He didn’t take the chance and opportunity today, but tomorrow will be another day. The fact that he didn’t play in the second half will motivate him. “Zalgiris” is a moving train that he has to catch up with. We will not stop the train because of him,” warned the specialist.

Tomas Dimša, who has not played for almost a month, has already returned to the lineup in the confrontation with Mazeikis, and how is the other injured player from Žalgiris, Arno Butkevičius, who was injured in Monaco at the beginning of April?

“His condition is improving. We will assess his situation in 15 days. He works hard every day. I’ve seen a smile on his face in the past few days, and it’s a very rare thing to see from Arno. This means that he feels better”, the coach of “Žalgiris” was happy.

He was asked to convey his wish to his manager, “Žalgiris” president Paulis Jankūnas, who is celebrating his 40th birthday today.

“At least another 40 years in this shape.” He looks great,” laughed the Italian.

Finally, A. Trinchieri shared his thoughts about the Euroleague playoffs that have started.

“No, nothing surprised me. We made a prediction board before the playoffs and I still haven’t gotten it wrong. The third match will be played tomorrow and Wednesday, and in those series where the result is 1-1, they will be pivotal, said A. Trinchieri, but he refrained from revealing his predictions when asked. “I want to play in the playoffs, not watch them.”