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After the UEFA Europa League first qualifying round match between "Sūduva" and Welsh bronze medal winners "Rhyl" in Marijampolė on Thursday evening, it was not surprising that the coaches had different moods. "Sūduva" coach Algimantas Gabrys, celebrating a 2-1 victory and qualification to the next round, was satisfied with the result, but not happy with the team's game.
"After such a match, I have more gray hairs," joked A. Gabrys before the press conference began.
"We made it to the next round - the result is good, so we should be happy," the coach said. "We should be happy and thank the fans who gathered at the stadium. Both I and the whole team thank them for their support."
"Perhaps the fans were a bit disappointed in the second half," regretted the coach. "Our goal was to score quickly. Later we scored a second. I was most afraid that the men would calm down - psychologically there was no one to regulate the game, so we gave them the advantage."
"When we lost the initiative, especially in the middle of the field, a British style of play took over the pitch, and we couldn't play it," added A. Gabrys.
"We need to respect English football, so let's rejoice that we beat the Welsh team," concluded the coach.
Meanwhile, "Rhyl" head coach John Hulse was disappointed.
"We wanted to score goals, but your team played very well in the first half - moved excellently on the field, passed the ball excellently," praised the "Rhyl" coach.
"But we felt 'robbed' by the referee - there was definitely no penalty kick," complained the coach. "When your team scored the second goal, it became very difficult for us to play, and then we even lost our captain."
"Our biggest problem was that we have only played two friendly matches so far, and the hot weather didn't help," said the coach.
"Nevertheless, I want to wish your coach and team the best of luck, I wish you to advance to the next round," said J. Hulse.
When asked how he evaluated the three missed great opportunities in the second half, J. Hulse praised his players: "I am proud of my boys: regardless of them not scoring, I am proud of them simply because they created those opportunities."
When journalists asked about possible opponents in the upcoming draws, A. Gabrys replied, "the stronger the better": "Liverpool", "Hearts" or someone else. However, it should be emphasized that "Sūduva" will definitely not meet these opponents in the second qualifying round, as they both play in the UEFA Champions League.
However, talking about future opponents, the coach indirectly hinted that it is too difficult for the team to compete on three fronts: "Lithuanian Cup, championship, UEFA Europa League... think about what it means to train now, when it's 30 degrees outside."
