Andrea Trinchieri Apologizes to Journalist and Offers Special Gift: “It Was My Fault”

Žalgiris Kaunas head coach Andrea Trinchieri publicly apologized to journalist Tautvydas Kubilius after an intense exchange during a recent press conference. Trinchieri, who had previously criticized the journalist’s remarks about the team’s motivation following a loss to Rytas, admitted his mistake and offered a peace gesture in the form of a special gift—an Italian wine bottle from his personal collection. “It was my fault, and I apologize,” Trinchieri said as he handed over the gift. “Tautvydas, I brought you a good bottle of Italian wine. It’s not from a supermarket; you wouldn’t find this bottle here. It’s from my personal reserve, meant for special occasions, and I think this is a special one. I’m here to reconcile.”

During the press conference, Trinchieri addressed the situation further:

1. On the reaction after the loss:
   • “I heard a lot of noise after Sunday. I saw things going in the wrong direction, and for that, I apologize.”
   • “I take my job and role at Žalgiris very seriously. I coach a legendary, historic club that is 80 years old. As a coach, and for all of us, we have incredible support from fans of all genders and ages. I feel it all the time. I cannot afford to create division. What I mean is, I cannot create hostility or disagreement among people. Yet, that’s exactly what happened.”
2. On the misunderstanding:
   • “I may disagree with the content of the questions, but it doesn’t matter what I think now. It doesn’t matter what I think—what matters is how my words were understood, and they were misinterpreted.”
   • “I would love to speak Lithuanian because it’s such a rich language. Undoubtedly, I would have found different expressions. I am trying, but it’s very difficult. I can say 50-60 words in Lithuanian, but I cannot express myself properly.”
3. On his approach and commitment to improvement:
   • “I cannot look at the situation only through a small keyhole; I have to see the whole picture. I failed to deliver the message. For that, I apologize.”
   • “Every day, I come to work with the mindset that no one owes me anything. I have to strengthen this principle. I will work to express myself differently, to be clearer.”
4. On his relationship with the journalist:
   • “There is nothing personal, Tautvydas. I still strongly disagree with the questions, but I cannot be divisive. You do your job, and I do mine. We don’t always have to agree with each other. There will be situations where we disagree, but things cannot escalate like this, and that was my fault.”
5. On the journalists’ response:
   • After a journalist thanked him for the sincere apology, Trinchieri smiled and said, “I managed to unite you.”