Saturday 11th April 2009
FBK Kaunas 5 – 0 Gelezinis Vikas
My day started at 6AM, I needed to be focused today and if that means going back into my old military routine then so be it.
This week I have been putting the players through there paces, I want maximum fitness and discipline levels for the bow of the season. I am establishing my ground rules and I want them all to know if they cross with me, there going down.
I want the players to take there minds off the game before every match, but I want them to bond. I had everyone arrive at the ground for 8am. We all shared a light breakfast followed by an early morning training session, very light as I didn’t want anyone getting tired or injured, just enough to get there legs going. I’m also trying to gel the squad, having a hefty group of loan signings is not always ideal, we need to gel and to do that I need to get them all involved with each other.
# # #
My pre match team talk was short and simple.
‘I have scouted this lot, they are nothing. One of the worst in the league, so go out there and pressure them early, watch them panic as the big team from the A league tears them apart. Get the early goal and watch them crumble’
They went out and did just that, Czech winger Tommask was on fire down the left flank, beating his man every time. They caught on eventually and doubled up on him but a searching pass from Nedad Sreckovic ‘The Serb’ (Going to refer each player to there nickname which will help you and me!! Remember who I am on about) onto the feet of Tommask who slipped in Prso to make it 1-0.
Audrius Kasnavicus ‘Baldy’ got our second after a nice pass and move with Prso. The third came after towering centre half Rolandas Dziakastas ‘High Tower’ slammed his head through the ball from a Tommask corner.
At half time I was delighted but decided not to show it. I didn’t want complacency. I just sat back and let the lads listen next door.
‘You hear that?’ I said smugly
‘Let’s go make it worse!’
After the interval our opponents were riled up and a lot more physical. They tried to bully us off the ball. We just slowed down the pace for a while and tried to hit them on the break, this was an affordable option at 3-0.
We got a sweet break away after on loan Dnipro man Linas Klimavicus ‘Limas’ punted the ball towards the right wing and substitute Kenneth Asamoah charged it down and smashed it home for 4-0.
Tommask then got one of his own and the final goal of the game on the 87th minute after a lapse in concentration from there right back let him in.
# # #
Just 379 fans turned up for my first game in charge, Very lacklustre and disappointing considering the size of the ground. Hopefully in time this will change but for now who cares.
‘Amazing lads, I could not have asked for more’
‘Enjoy your day off tomorrow’
Later after the media were dealt with, I signed a few autographs…which, was surreal but nice. I received a txt on my phone...
FBK Kaunas 5 – 0 Gelezinis Vikas
My day started at 6AM, I needed to be focused today and if that means going back into my old military routine then so be it.
This week I have been putting the players through there paces, I want maximum fitness and discipline levels for the bow of the season. I am establishing my ground rules and I want them all to know if they cross with me, there going down.
I want the players to take there minds off the game before every match, but I want them to bond. I had everyone arrive at the ground for 8am. We all shared a light breakfast followed by an early morning training session, very light as I didn’t want anyone getting tired or injured, just enough to get there legs going. I’m also trying to gel the squad, having a hefty group of loan signings is not always ideal, we need to gel and to do that I need to get them all involved with each other.
# # #
My pre match team talk was short and simple.
‘I have scouted this lot, they are nothing. One of the worst in the league, so go out there and pressure them early, watch them panic as the big team from the A league tears them apart. Get the early goal and watch them crumble’
They went out and did just that, Czech winger Tommask was on fire down the left flank, beating his man every time. They caught on eventually and doubled up on him but a searching pass from Nedad Sreckovic ‘The Serb’ (Going to refer each player to there nickname which will help you and me!! Remember who I am on about) onto the feet of Tommask who slipped in Prso to make it 1-0.
Audrius Kasnavicus ‘Baldy’ got our second after a nice pass and move with Prso. The third came after towering centre half Rolandas Dziakastas ‘High Tower’ slammed his head through the ball from a Tommask corner.
At half time I was delighted but decided not to show it. I didn’t want complacency. I just sat back and let the lads listen next door.
‘You hear that?’ I said smugly
‘Let’s go make it worse!’
After the interval our opponents were riled up and a lot more physical. They tried to bully us off the ball. We just slowed down the pace for a while and tried to hit them on the break, this was an affordable option at 3-0.
We got a sweet break away after on loan Dnipro man Linas Klimavicus ‘Limas’ punted the ball towards the right wing and substitute Kenneth Asamoah charged it down and smashed it home for 4-0.
Tommask then got one of his own and the final goal of the game on the 87th minute after a lapse in concentration from there right back let him in.
# # #
Just 379 fans turned up for my first game in charge, Very lacklustre and disappointing considering the size of the ground. Hopefully in time this will change but for now who cares.
‘Amazing lads, I could not have asked for more’
‘Enjoy your day off tomorrow’
Later after the media were dealt with, I signed a few autographs…which, was surreal but nice. I received a txt on my phone...
