Goran Sablic: We played well in teh first half
FC Sheriff head coach Goran Sablic comments on the game against Zimbru:
My congratulations to the team. The game was tough. We played well in the first half. We controlled the ball and had several moments we could have scored. With the score 2-0, it was easier for us in the second half. In the second half, the team got weaker physically. After the 50-55th minute, my guys looked exhausted. Also, Zimbru is a good team. They made us play mostly in defence in the second half. But we withstood and won.
Your expectations before the game - were they justified or did Zimbru surprise you with anything?
We watched Zimbru's games. We could see that the team is good, plays compactly and uses counterattacks well. In the second half, as everyone could see, they showed they know how to tackle the ball. We knew it would be difficult and that the opponent is of a good level. We were ready for this.
To what extent Sheriff have shown its potential?
I haven't got much time since I came here. The team has good playing quality. But also we have a problem with fitness. After 50-60 games the team is getting tired and it's hard to keep playing intensity and tempo. Today, 17 players were listed for the game with five young players from the reserve team. I hope that injured players will be back soon. We need to make the team stronger.
A few words about the Champions League. Have you found out anything about the opponent?
We've started working in this direction, we are following their games now. There are no weak opponents in this tournament. Let's see. We will be preparing for the first game we play away. We must improve the quality of our play, physically as well. Now it's difficult to do. The games are coming in three days on the fourth. We need to get through it. Thank God there were no injuries today. The players need to rest at least one day and then we will look at the result.
FC Sheriff Press Office
My congratulations to the team. The game was tough. We played well in the first half. We controlled the ball and had several moments we could have scored. With the score 2-0, it was easier for us in the second half. In the second half, the team got weaker physically. After the 50-55th minute, my guys looked exhausted. Also, Zimbru is a good team. They made us play mostly in defence in the second half. But we withstood and won.
Your expectations before the game - were they justified or did Zimbru surprise you with anything?
We watched Zimbru's games. We could see that the team is good, plays compactly and uses counterattacks well. In the second half, as everyone could see, they showed they know how to tackle the ball. We knew it would be difficult and that the opponent is of a good level. We were ready for this.
To what extent Sheriff have shown its potential?
I haven't got much time since I came here. The team has good playing quality. But also we have a problem with fitness. After 50-60 games the team is getting tired and it's hard to keep playing intensity and tempo. Today, 17 players were listed for the game with five young players from the reserve team. I hope that injured players will be back soon. We need to make the team stronger.
A few words about the Champions League. Have you found out anything about the opponent?
We've started working in this direction, we are following their games now. There are no weak opponents in this tournament. Let's see. We will be preparing for the first game we play away. We must improve the quality of our play, physically as well. Now it's difficult to do. The games are coming in three days on the fourth. We need to get through it. Thank God there were no injuries today. The players need to rest at least one day and then we will look at the result.
FC Sheriff Press Office