Lilian Popescu: “We did not deserve 0:3 defeat”
- It is difficult to give any comments. 0:3 is a negative result. The match can be divided into two parts. We failed the start of the match, conceded two goals, the first one was an offside goal, then we went back to the game. We needed to be open, attack, but I cannot have claims to the guys. They did their best but they lacked goals. We had chances but at the closing stage we lacked either concentration, either mastership or both. The first 15 minutes were failed in the defense. We tried playing quick football. Unfortunately, we are not used to such speed yet. Negative result is also a result and we should make right conclusions from it.
Do you have any ideas on how to play the second-leg match in Norway?
Of course, I do. But at first I should analyze the game, look at the mistakes. You can play football in different ways: you can stay on the defensive and search for a chance in counterattacks, but I prefer another football, attacking one, combined, with a quick switch from defense to attack. But it needs time. I want the team play football that spectators like: with great numbers of shots, crosses, pressure.
Was there a plan to play a highball with flank passes?
No, there was a plan to open flanks but unfortunately we did it slowly and opponent defenders had time to close those areas. We lacked group actions. Forwards were not good at taking the ball and flank passes were no good quality. We possessed the ball much, tried to disclose their defense but the speed we did it with allowed the opponents switch in time. Although I think if we scored we could get back to the game and the score would be different. It happened in the way that we attacked but the opponent scored.
Are there any chances for the team to enter the next round?
It will be difficult. It is important that the guys and I make right conclusions. In my opinion we did not deserve 0:3 defeat.
After the match with FC Milsami the players said that victory would make the team more confident. Didn’t it turn into self-confidence?
Perhaps you are right. It was in consciousness probably. I told the team that the way we played with FC Milsami would not be enough today. And it happened this way. But I will say again there is no need to search for someone to blame. These are mistakes, this is football. We should not concentrate on that, we should improve ourselves.
FC Sheriff Press Office
Do you have any ideas on how to play the second-leg match in Norway?
Of course, I do. But at first I should analyze the game, look at the mistakes. You can play football in different ways: you can stay on the defensive and search for a chance in counterattacks, but I prefer another football, attacking one, combined, with a quick switch from defense to attack. But it needs time. I want the team play football that spectators like: with great numbers of shots, crosses, pressure.
Was there a plan to play a highball with flank passes?
No, there was a plan to open flanks but unfortunately we did it slowly and opponent defenders had time to close those areas. We lacked group actions. Forwards were not good at taking the ball and flank passes were no good quality. We possessed the ball much, tried to disclose their defense but the speed we did it with allowed the opponents switch in time. Although I think if we scored we could get back to the game and the score would be different. It happened in the way that we attacked but the opponent scored.
Are there any chances for the team to enter the next round?
It will be difficult. It is important that the guys and I make right conclusions. In my opinion we did not deserve 0:3 defeat.
After the match with FC Milsami the players said that victory would make the team more confident. Didn’t it turn into self-confidence?
Perhaps you are right. It was in consciousness probably. I told the team that the way we played with FC Milsami would not be enough today. And it happened this way. But I will say again there is no need to search for someone to blame. These are mistakes, this is football. We should not concentrate on that, we should improve ourselves.
FC Sheriff Press Office