Ivanauskas accepts Vetra role
Friday, August 29, 2003
Article summary
Valdas Ivanauskas will take over as coach of FK Vetra at the end of the Lithuanian season next month.
Article body
Local knowledge
The 37-year-old is also assistant to Lithuanian national coach Algimantas Liubinskas, a position he will retain. "I have not lived in Lithuania for the last few years, so now I have to get acquainted with the local championship," Ivanauskas said. "Hopefully, this will also help me in the national team."
European incentive
As consultant to caretaker coach Valdas Urbonas, Ivanauskas will try to keep Vetra in third place in the First Division - a position that would guarantee European qualification. Urbonas stood in for Vytautas Janciauskas who was sacked earlier this month, having led Vetra to promotion last season.
German experience
Ivanauskas was the first Lithuanian to play in the German Bundesliga, making 91 appearances for Hamburger SV between 1993 and 1997. He earned his coaching licence last season in 1. FC Köln's coaching academy.
