Robbie Neilson found out about the tragic death for former Hearts captain and teammate right before their Scottish Cup semi-final win over Hibs.
The Lithuanian defender died at the tragically young age of 36 after suffering from Motor Neurone Disease, and his passing was confirmed during the Hampden clash by the Lithuanian Football Federation.
Neilson opted not to inform the players so close to kick-off, of whom Craig Gordon and Jamie Walker played alongside Zaliukas.
And Neilson paid tribute to the defender and hoped the 2-1 win over their rivals would provide some comfort to the family and dedicated the win to the Scottish Cup winner.
"I found out about a minute before the players went out but we didn't
speak to the players about it, but they know now,” said Neilson.
"I knew Marius personally for a number of years and it is devastating for everyone at the club because he was a big part of the club, a huge part of the history. The captain of the 5-1 game against Hibs here.
"So hopefully there is a slight bit of comfort to the family to say that this game is for him as well because he has had a difficult period recently with his motor neurone disease and we are all thinking of his family at this moment."
There was also the highest praise for goalkeeper Craig Gordon, who produced two stunning saves to deny Kevin Nisbet and Christian Doidge and proved to be the Jambos’ key man on the day.
And Neilson tipped him to regain his Scotland place on the back of his display.
“He is a top keeper,” said Neilson.
“When the ball goes into the box, I don't think anyone is going to score.
“I will be honest. His reaction saves are unbelievable.
“We see it every day in training. He has presence at the back and how he talks and organises his team.
“If I was a centre half, he is the best guy in the world behind you because he will talk to you , and you know he is going to be secure.
“So he has been great for us and he is desperate to get back into the Scotland squad to try to get to Euros if we qualify and he has definitely given Steve a few questions because after the last couple of performances he has had.
“It's been on TV and in my opinion there is nobody better out there than Craig.”
Neilson was also pleased to give the fans something to cheer after the club had been battered for the previous nine months.
"It is massive for everyone,” he said.
“The club has been hit and hit and hit again for the last nine months, the players, the staff, the fans most importantly.
"This is putting a smile on the fans face now and hopefully we can come together again because I think it has been a difficult period but we are all fighting for each other.
"You see that with the players in the dressing room, the staff, everyone at the club is together, the fans are together now and it is about fighting back to get to where we belong and we belong in Scottish Cup finals and we managed to get there.”
