For the forward who represented the Vilnius team in 1984 and 1986-1990, the green and white still bring many warm memories. According to him, the results at that time were special, especially since the team was not the financially strongest.
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“The results achieved with Žalgiris at that time are really impressive. We were not the financially strongest team, but the results were definitely impressive. The most memorable was the third place in 1987 and, of course, the first European Cup matches. The memories are really the best,” said V. Ivanauskas, who was voted the best footballer four times in the past.
Speaking about the successful 1987 season, he highlighted the important work of the coaches, the generational change, and the team’s stability.
“It was made up of many things. There was a generational change, but it was not aggressive – veterans were not pushed aside, and a new generation came along. That stability and the expectation that results could be achieved paid off,” recalled the former Žalgiris player.
According to him, the ability of then-coach Benjaminas Zelkevičius to adapt to the changing football was also very important.
“Not only the generation changed, but also football itself. From 1983 to 1987 there was already a big difference. Zelkevičius saw what was needed to achieve results – what style and what kind of players were needed. Those three to four years were impressive,” said V. Ivanauskas.
He recalled that at that time the whole football world was changing, and teams had to adapt to new trends.
“Everyone looked up to Moscow’s Spartak or Kyiv’s Dynamo. At that time, Kyiv Dynamo started playing fast, aggressive football. Our coaches also adapted, and we ourselves wanted that. Žalgiris was one of the most technical teams, but we lacked speed. Benjaminas Zelkevičius changed the training process, ideas, and we tried to play modern football,” he said.
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Asked about the current Žalgiris season, V. Ivanauskas admitted that the results are not pleasing so far, but he believes the situation can change.
“The time will come. The results are really disappointing not only for the fans but also for the coaches and management. This is a natural process – when something changes, something has to be lost. The current situation satisfies no one, but it will change and get better,” he said.
According to V. Ivanauskas, changes in the team during the season can be beneficial.
“They are definitely needed in the current situation. Fresh blood never hurts anyone. Everyone understands that changes are necessary if Žalgiris wants to be in its place. And that place – no secret to anyone – is first. Only first place satisfies everyone,” emphasized the former footballer.
He also pointed out that Lithuanian football may seem simple to incoming players only at first glance.
“Lithuanian football looks easy, but on the other hand – it is dangerous. Many players come thinking everything is very easy here, but later their attitude is completely different. If you demand from the players, they will have to do it,” said V. Ivanauskas.
V. Ivanauskas also recalled his departure to Western Europe in 1990, when he started his legionnaire career together with Arminas Narbekovas. The first stop was Austria, then Germany.
“The difference was very big. In terms of club structure, training, professionalism, everything was very different. Maybe there was no shock, but it was necessary to adapt to the conditions. If you don’t adapt – you are kicked out of the team,” he recalled.
Žalgiris will play its next matches on June 12 and 16 in Vilnius.
