plzeň and Freiburg played to a scoreless draw in Europa League Group C action on Thursday, a result leaving the Czech side in a strong position to advance to the knockout stage.
Despite dominating the match and creating numerous scoring chances – nine, according to the coach – Plzeň couldn’t find the back of the net, and a controversial disallowed goal added to the frustration. The team’s coach addressed the match’s key moments and the ongoing disparity between their European and domestic performances following the final whistle.
Are you disappointed with the result?
Every point against an opponent like that is valuable. We created more chances, but our finishing wasn’t clinical enough to get on the scoresheet. However, I want to commend the team; they put in a very good performance both offensively and defensively. We just lacked that goal to give us a better feeling and two more points.
Which missed chance stings the most?
Each and every one of them. I immediately reviewed the highlights after the match, and we had nine very good opportunities to score. That’s a great number against a Bundesliga team. It’s frustrating that we couldn’t convert any of them.
A goal from Rafia Durosinmi was disallowed. Due to a perceived foul. What was your take on the situation?
The referee told me he called a foul on a Freiburg player. But if he hadn’t whistled, we likely would have been discussing an offside call on Adua, who was in front of the goalkeeper. It’s a shame Durosinmi didn’t capitalize on a big chance in the second half. Unfortunately, he couldn’t get his body over the ball for the volley and would have been better off using his left foot.
Foto: Michal Cizek / AFP, Profimedia.cz
Rafia Durosinmi battles for possession during the match.
How valuable is it to keep a clean sheet after conceding eight goals in your last two league matches?
Absolutely. That’s down to the players being focused on the European matches. They’re capable of winning the ball back after losing possession. There’s a fighting spirit, and their defensive behavior is excellent. I also have to praise goalkeeper Florian Wiegel. He seized his opportunity and performed brilliantly. He looked assured and kept the team in the game. He showed he’s capable of playing for Plzeň.
What led to that decision?
We conceded too many goals against Slavia and Jablonec. It’s important to have competition between the posts.
While you remain undefeated in the Europa League, consistently defeating strong opponents, your domestic form has been less impressive. Why is that?
European matches are a different level. The opponents are of a high footballing quality, even in terms of the intensity of the game. The Czech league has a different quality; things are more straightforward. It’s a more physical game. But we’re a team that can play both competitions. We’ve just conceded too many goals.
After five rounds, Plzeň has nine points. Have you taken another step towards advancing to the spring phase?
Every point is important, and the table is tight. We want to win in Athens in two weeks and secure our place in the spring stage.
Plzeň secured a valuable point in their Europa League campaign against Freiburg on Thursday, despite a frustrating night in front of goal. The Czech side dominated possession and created a host of scoring opportunities, but ultimately couldn’t find the back of the net.
“Every point against an opponent like that is valuable,” the coach stated after the match. “We created more chances, but our finishing wasn’t clinical enough to get on the scoresheet. However, I want to commend the team; they put in a very good performance both offensively and defensively.”
The team had nine clear chances to score, a promising sign against a Bundesliga opponent, but the coach lamented the lack of a finishing touch. A controversial disallowed goal, scored by Rafia Durosinmi, added to the frustration. The referee explained he called a foul on a Freiburg player, though a potential offside call loomed had the whistle not blown.
“The referee told me he called a foul on a Freiburg player. But if he hadn’t whistled, we likely would have been discussing an offside call on Adua, who was in front of the goalkeeper,” the coach explained. “It’s a shame Durosinmi didn’t capitalize on a big chance in the second half.”
A key change in goal saw Florian Wiegel get the nod, and the coach was pleased with his performance. “Absolutely. That’s down to the players being focused on the European matches. They’re capable of winning the ball back after losing possession. There’s a fighting spirit, and their defensive behavior is excellent. I also have to praise goalkeeper Florian Wiegel. He seized his opportunity and performed brilliantly.”
The coach explained the change was made due to the team conceding too many goals in recent domestic matches. Despite their European success, Plzeň’s domestic form has been inconsistent. “European matches are a different level. The opponents are of a high footballing quality, even in terms of the intensity of the game. The Czech league has a different quality; things are more straightforward.”
With nine points from five matches, Plzeň is well-positioned to advance to the spring phase of the tournament. The team will look to secure their progression with a win in Athens in two weeks.
