Pankratjevas parts with Atlantas
Friday, July 1, 2005
Article summary
Igoris Pankratjevas has resigned as FK Atlantas coach with predecessor Vacys Lekevičius resuming his former role.
Article body
Lekevičius returns
The 41-year-old Pankratjevas took charge of the Lithuanian side in January, before the start of the 2005 season, having spent two years as Lekevičius's assistant. The 42-year-old Lekevičius, who is also a managing director of Atlantas, had stepped down to concentrate on boardroom duties but now recommences his coaching work.
Tiredness cited
Pankratjevas, also Vitalijus Stankevicius's assistant as national Under-21 coach, has cited tiredness as the reason for his decision, but Lekevičius also stated that the club and fans were not happy with the team's recent form. The 2004 Lithuanian Cup finalists and third-placed finishers have not won in five matches.
UEFA Cup trip
Atlantas play Rhyl FC in the UEFA Cup first qualifying round, visiting Wales on 14 July before the return leg a fortnight later as the club look to improve on their record of six defeats from six games in the competition.
