Zoran Zekic: "The outcome of the matchup was decided in the first leg"
Head coach of FC Sheriff Zoran Zekic answered questions regarding the match with Saburtalo and left the post-match press conference to the applause of Georgian journalists:
- Firstly, I’d like to congratulate Saburtalo that passed further. I’d also like to congratulate my team on a good game. If they had played 50% in the first match of how they played today, I would be much happier today. Also, I want to note the game of the 10th number of the opponent. The way he played these two matches is crazy football.
- Kokhreidze, 10th number of Saburtalo, whom you remembered, got many times to the legs.
- A person made decisions very quickly, and we didn’t always keep up with him. This is the only explanation. We did not give any instructions about him.
- So this is not all on purpose?
- Of course it is not. In modern football, no one plays likes that. We were late for him, and he quickly made decisions. This is his level of football, which led to offences.
- At the sum of two matches. What did FC Sheriff lack for overall victory?
- I think we all lost in the first game. We played very slowly, without aggression, without single combats. The rival played very quickly, we did not spot for each other, the defensive midfielders did not help. Today, after the first 10 minutes, we led 3-0, had a couple more moments. The whole game in such a rhythm no one could stand. Plus - five players joined the team only 20 days ago. It is half of the squad. Therefore, the outcome of the matchup was decided in the first leg.
- Could you imagine that your team will score three goals in the first 10 minutes?
- Of course I could not. I would not have thought that this happens in football. The mentality of a football player is the same, not only in Moldova, but also in Georgia. After the first match, I think Saburtalo just relaxed. This is not only their problem, it is the problem of many teams. Probably, the Saburtalo coach warned his players every day that they shouldn’t relax. But such is a person. I tell a lot to my players, but they often repeat mistakes.
- We think you are satisfied with the game of your team. How do you see future matches in the Europa League? What task face the team?
- In the life of every person there are women who you really like. You have 2-3 dates, you already think that you will kiss, and she suddenly leaves for another city. Therefore, I can not be satisfied. As for further games - I think this is not worth much to say. We must silently work.
- Sheriff was considered the favorite in this couple. Will failure affect you, the team?
- Not for the first time in football, the favorite does not win. This is football. We must strive to be better every day. This is not the first time in the life of anyone. I watched the games of Saburtalo, we did the analysis, but in the first game we didn’t succeed. Probably, it is the coach’s fault, because he’s the first to blame.
FC Sheriff Press Office
- Firstly, I’d like to congratulate Saburtalo that passed further. I’d also like to congratulate my team on a good game. If they had played 50% in the first match of how they played today, I would be much happier today. Also, I want to note the game of the 10th number of the opponent. The way he played these two matches is crazy football.
- Kokhreidze, 10th number of Saburtalo, whom you remembered, got many times to the legs.
- A person made decisions very quickly, and we didn’t always keep up with him. This is the only explanation. We did not give any instructions about him.
- So this is not all on purpose?
- Of course it is not. In modern football, no one plays likes that. We were late for him, and he quickly made decisions. This is his level of football, which led to offences.
- At the sum of two matches. What did FC Sheriff lack for overall victory?
- I think we all lost in the first game. We played very slowly, without aggression, without single combats. The rival played very quickly, we did not spot for each other, the defensive midfielders did not help. Today, after the first 10 minutes, we led 3-0, had a couple more moments. The whole game in such a rhythm no one could stand. Plus - five players joined the team only 20 days ago. It is half of the squad. Therefore, the outcome of the matchup was decided in the first leg.
- Could you imagine that your team will score three goals in the first 10 minutes?
- Of course I could not. I would not have thought that this happens in football. The mentality of a football player is the same, not only in Moldova, but also in Georgia. After the first match, I think Saburtalo just relaxed. This is not only their problem, it is the problem of many teams. Probably, the Saburtalo coach warned his players every day that they shouldn’t relax. But such is a person. I tell a lot to my players, but they often repeat mistakes.
- We think you are satisfied with the game of your team. How do you see future matches in the Europa League? What task face the team?
- In the life of every person there are women who you really like. You have 2-3 dates, you already think that you will kiss, and she suddenly leaves for another city. Therefore, I can not be satisfied. As for further games - I think this is not worth much to say. We must silently work.
- Sheriff was considered the favorite in this couple. Will failure affect you, the team?
- Not for the first time in football, the favorite does not win. This is football. We must strive to be better every day. This is not the first time in the life of anyone. I watched the games of Saburtalo, we did the analysis, but in the first game we didn’t succeed. Probably, it is the coach’s fault, because he’s the first to blame.
FC Sheriff Press Office