"Celje" head coach: What happened on the field showed that we are stronger

After the Europa League first qualifying round match "Sabah" – "Celje" (2:3), the head coach of the guest team, Albert Riera, answered journalists' questions. Sport24.az reports that the specialist said the following at the meeting with media representatives:

– In the first half, it seemed like the team had an adaptation problem. But after the break, you played dominant football. Are you satisfied with the game? 

– After the first game, we saw that we are the best team in the pair. True, there was fatigue in the team after preparation. The score doesn't matter, it could have been 2:2. What happened on the field showed that we are stronger.

– There were individual mistakes in the opponent's goals… 

– There are mistakes in football, it's normal. The main thing is not individual mistakes, but the team's ideological game. I was satisfied with that. We will try to eliminate the mistakes.

– Can it be said that the fate of the pair has been decided?

– Of course not. There are 90 minutes ahead. The result of the first game does not matter. Even if we win, there are 90 minutes ahead. Football players should start the match as if it is 0:0.

– What do you think about Dario Hrka, who scored the winning goal? He scored after coming on as a substitute… 

– It doesn't matter when the player enters the field. I treat all players the same. This goal will also have a good effect on the team's mood. I can make 6-7 changes in the starting lineup in the return match.

– Will you prepare for a penalty shootout? 

– We are ready for everything. I don't think I should put these things into the players' minds now. We will be ready for anything. We are not thinking about a penalty shootout.

– What did you think about Azerbaijani football before this game and what do you think after the match? 

– I have not worked in Azerbaijan. I cannot answer this question. The teams' uniforms were almost the same. After the first 10 minutes, the players were confused on the field. I also told the referee from Kazakhstan about this. He should know his job better. The uniforms were similar... There is closeness between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan. I wouldn't want referees from countries that are close to each other to be in such games. Because there could be a different decision.