Liubinskas back in charge

Assistants appointed
The 51-year-old Liubinskas had led Lithuania between 1992 and 1995 as his country's first coach since the former Soviet state regained independence. But until today he was acting as national Under-21 coach. FBK Kaunas trainer Saulius Sirmelis and one of Lithuania's greatest players, Valdas Ivanauskas, will serve as his assistants.

Away success
Under Liubinskas, Lithuania enjoyed arguably the best run of results in their history. In the qualifiers for EURO 96™, they won away against Ukraine and Slovenia before Liubinskas was sacked following a disagreement with federation officials.

Landmark achievements 
Liubinskas was the youngest ever coach of a Soviet League club when he took charge of FK Zalgiris Vilnius aged only 31. He also guided FK Kareda Siauliai to the Lithuanian title in 1997.

'Patchy play' 
He takes over a side that have won just one game in three years. "Our problem is bad defending and patchy midfield play," Liubinskas said. "We cannot use the same group players in the national team all the time. I will give priority to players who are determined to play for Lithuania."

Three jobs
Despite the new position, Liubinskas will continue his work as sports secretary in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius and as head coach of recently promoted A Lyga outfit FK Sviesa Vilnius. "I think I will do alright with all three jobs," he said. "My only problem is that my working day starts at 7am and ends at midnight."

Next games
Lithuania's next two matches are a UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifier against Germany in Nürnberg on 29 March, followed by a home qualifier against Scotland on 2 April.