Edgaras Jankauskas, the head coach of Lithuania—one of the Azerbaijan national team's opponents in the UEFA Nations League—has given an extensive interview to the local media.

Operativ Media reports that the 51-year-old specialist spoke to "15min.lt" about Azerbaijani football, our national team, as well as his compatriot Valdas Dambrauskas, who leads "Sabah". We present the interview with minor abridgements.

– Unlike the last international break, the squad has been significantly updated, with 10 different players. We also see a player called up to the national team for the first time. All the players selected are currently the best in Lithuania.

– Adrians Lickunas has been called up to the national team for the first time. How did he catch your attention?

– He is a young, very interesting, and athletic player. Lickunas made his debut in the Italian Serie B. He made an excellent physical impression in a high-level league and played tactically smart. I think this age (20 years old) is the best time for a player to enter big-time football.

– Arturas Dolznikov has been recalled to the national team after a break. Have relations with this player been smoothed over?

– Yes, our talks were more constructive. Unfortunately, he has not featured in the last two matches for his new club in the Czech Republic. However, he is training well and keeping in shape. He is burning with desire to return and help the national team.

– What is the mood as you prepare for the upcoming matches? Is it possible that you will take the initiative and play more aggressively?

– It is possible. No one knows for sure how we will have to play. Our goal remains unchanged regardless of the opponent: victory, quality play, development, dedication, and passion. No matter who the opponent is—whether a world-class team or one of equal strength to us—all these factors must always be present. I know for sure that there will be no easy games, and no one will hand us a victory. This is the main message I want to convey to both the players and the fans. Truly tough battles await us. We must be psychologically prepared for this. Most likely, our opponents have set the same goal. It is only possible to achieve something by combining experience, effort, passion, and dedication.

– Theoretically, four games mean 12 points. But what final result would you consider positive?

– Calculating points in advance seems quite absurd. I am not in favor of making predictions about numbers. I know that every game is very important for us. We will fight to win by showing good play in every match. The point is that we will face teams roughly at our level. Although the Azerbaijani national team is ranked higher than us, I do not think it matters much. I assume that whoever is better prepared mentally, physically, and tactically will win.

– Are you proposing that the limit on local players in the Lithuanian championship should be four? (Currently, there must be three Lithuanian players in the starting lineup of each team – Ed.). Or are you planning something more radical?

– First, I suggest we review all of this again and identify the pros and cons. It might not be easy at first. We will have to focus more on the development of local players and academies. At the same time, we will need more local players on the pitch. For the players themselves, this is a source of motivation. They understand that they are in demand. We lose many young players because they get discouraged. They see that the spots are taken and that it is easier to bring in foreign players. We deprive players of motivation, they fade away, and they do not stay in football. Then we wonder why so few transfer to strong leagues, or why Lithuanian players are rarely seen when our clubs play in European competitions? This is my friendly suggestion. Perhaps arguments were also presented claiming this method is ineffective. For example, the foreign player limit has been abolished in Azerbaijan. Their clubs qualify for the Champions League, but how many local players play there? What are their expectations for the national team? I assume that club football is the priority for them, and there is not much pressure on the national team. That is the path they have chosen. I think we should take a different approach. Expectations for the national team are higher for us. It seems to me that we should focus our main attention on local players and creating more favorable conditions for them.

– Can Valdas Dambrauskas, who manages Sabah FC, help gather information about the opponents?

– He has already helped by demonstrating the level of his players and the strength of his team. I know the Azerbaijani championship well. We can even speak with Valdas personally, and he can share his observations. I know he is a passionate fan of our national team, and I am sure he will not hide any details that could be useful to us.

– Lithuanian coaches are not in very high demand on the international stage. Could Valdas Dambrauskas's debut in the Champions League help Lithuanian coaches?

– Undoubtedly. Valdas's success is phenomenal. I would compare it to a player moving to an elite club. It proves that such a thing is possible. That is a fact. Valdas achieved this. He proved once again that he is an excellent specialist. The strength of the team is perhaps not the most important factor; when you work in the right direction and are in harmony with the club management, it is possible to achieve your goals.