Liubinskas puts country first

Algimantas Liubinskas has stepped down as coach of Lithuanian A Lyga side FK Sviesa to concentrate on Lithuania's UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifying campaign.

Combining duties
Liubinskas had been combining the duties of club and national team coach after replacing Benjaminas Zelkevicius in February but took the decision following the 2-2 draw with city rivals FK Zalgiris on Saturday.

'Time and energy'
"I would like to concentrate on my job with the national team," said Liubinskas. "I also work for the mayor of Vilnius in the capacity of sports secretary – and these positions take up time and energy."

Play-off target
Lithuania are in second place in EURO 2004™ qualifying Group 5, following a 1-1 draw at leaders Germany and a 1-0 home victory over Scotland and Liubinskas has set a play-off target for his squad. He said: "Our aim is to finish second in the group. Everything is in our hands – we must take our chance."

Difficult decision
However, the 51-year-old admitted that it had been a difficult decision to leave the club that he helped to promotion. Liubinskas managed to attract high-profile players to Sviesa including international midfield player Darius Maciulevicius and Saulius Mikalajunas although the latter was later released leaving the coach to suggest that he did not have complete control over his squad.