The head coach of Serbian “Crvena Zvezda” Vladan Milojević commented on his team’s defeat to Cypriot “Paphos” (1:2) in the first match of the Champions League qualifying playoff round, which took place yesterday in Belgrade.
“The least we wanted was to concede such a quick goal (“Paphos” opened the scoring already in the 1st minute of the match, - editor’s note). Moreover, before the match we talked with the team about this threat. In such matches, despite all the mistakes, one cannot concede from the very first attack of the opponent, to concede at the 40th second of the game. It shocks the conceding team and lifts the spirits of its opponent.
Yes, we managed to respond correctly, rallied together, and created many chances, but I must say that “Paphos” also had theirs. I said before the match that “Paphos” is a fast, strong team that wins many duels and often commits fouls. Their forwards skillfully find space, and because of this, “Paphos” quickly reaches the opponent’s goal. It’s difficult to defend in a match against such an opponent.
“Paphos” is an extraordinarily effective team with great attacking potential, and one must defend the space behind them very well. Our mistakes are a consequence of all this, as well as the stress from such a quick goal.
One cannot say that “Paphos” did not take the midfield from us; they simply play vertical football. Moreover, in every match of the current season, “Paphos” has scored on their first opportunity. Today they scored a goal on their second chance, but VAR disallowed the goal.
Well, now “Paphos” leads with a one-goal difference, but that’s football. We still have, at least, 90 minutes left, and we will prepare for the return match as best as we can. Today’s result is not a tragedy. We played against a good team and will try to make a comeback. I expected exactly this from “Paphos”, they did not surprise me; I knew how they play. No team we have faced at this stadium is like “Paphos”. All the players of this team are athletes, they have incredible physical fitness, and that’s why they win almost all duels. So, the only way is to try not to give in these duels. And not to make mistakes in passing. But today, it was the opposite: we lost duels, made mistakes in passing, and on top of that, missed our chances,” - said Milojević at the post-match press conference.