Last Thursday, Dnipro 1 played with Cyprus AEK in a draw (0:0) in the second leg of the 1/16 Conference League and on the result of two meetings (0:1, 0:0) dropped out of the tournament. We bring to your attention post-match comments of the head coaches of the teams that met.
Oleksandr Kucher, head coach of Dnipro-1: "What we planned, we basically did - we pressed, kept the opposing team under pressure all the time, and we managed to cover them. Of course, we wanted to score, we had chances to score, but luck was on AEK`s side today.
The meaning of soccer is to score goals to win. We wanted to do that today and I can`t reproach guys for their desire - they wanted to and it was obvious. But yes, we did not score and it is very sad for us.
Of course, we want more. Of course, we all wanted to go on and continue to please all the fans with European games, but we understand that this is soccer and that is the result today.
Dovbik`s absence? Artem has an injury and we think that by the next game he will be ready and we will wait for him. He is the team leader and we need him.
Jose Luis Oltra, head coach of AEK: "I'm very happy that we managed to keep the positive result today and go to the next round, because today is really a historic day for everyone: the players, the staff, the fans, the coaches, the journalists and the whole Cyprus. The players played very well and I want to thank them for the incredible game.
It was hard for us in a few moments. There were literally two or three, but we managed to get out from under the pressure and show our game. Also I want to say that first of all we dedicate our result to the fans who came to Kosice today.
As for Dnipro 1, their defense was very tight and we had few chances to score. In addition, after several dangerous attacks, we lacked the final pass to score a goal. Dnipro 1 has excellent players, highly skilled professionals and Artem Dovbik`s absence had an impact on the game today, because he is a star forward. I wish this team good luck in the future.
Actually today is a special day for me and for all Cypriots, we made it to the next round of the Conference League. To be honest, living the dream. I guess I haven't realized what we have done yet, but first of all I have to thank the players for this incredible performance. They gave it their all, gave it their all and fought like warriors. They're doing a really solid job, which I'm thankful for."
