2024-04-12 15:56:35
Plzeň coach Miroslav Koubek praised the players of Viktoria after the goalless draw in the opening quarter-final of the European Conference League for the way they fulfilled the tactical plan and how well they worked defensively.
The 72-year-old coach was convinced that the West Bohemians could not afford to play a completely open game with teams of similar quality. He said in a press conference that he considers the doubleheader open before next week’s away rematch.
“Effective tactics against a team like Fiorentina was a vital necessity. I always like how it is sometimes said that we will play it fair and square with them, and then the match will end in any way,” declared Koubek.
“It was necessary to slow down a great opponent, who is the strongest on the ball in Serie A. To close the spaces for him. I think we succeeded. We created an uncomfortable environment for the opponent from a defensive point of view. I appreciate how the team handled the things that we have in the week they worked,” added the coach of the last Czech representative in this cup season.
Although Pilsen only held the ball 31 percent of the time, they created the best chance of the game, which Matěj Vydra did not convert in the 24th minute.
“We were certainly able to score a goal today, if we had managed the transition phase better. There was a deficit. We knew that we could succeed if we slowed down the opponent and if we succeeded in transition actions or set pieces. That was our hope. Unfortunately, we are one they didn’t convert the chance, which was very good,” Koubek regretted.
He praised the defender Radim Řezník, who, due to the absences, took a place on the right side of the defense. At the same time, he has not played a single minute in the spring.
“I knew right away that we would use him. Based on the experience I have with him, how he works in training. I had no doubt that he would be able to do it. I respect his performance tremendously. He has not had it easy all year. He knows that his contract will expire after the season and he will leave Pilsen. Nevertheless, he exercised his greatness and showed moral credit,” said Koubek.
In retaliation, his men will strive to equal the Czech club’s record on the European stage since the division of the federation, which is held by Prague’s Slavia in the semi-finals of the 1996 UEFA Cup.
“We didn’t win anything, we didn’t advance anywhere. It will undoubtedly be more difficult, the fans will chase Fiorentina at home. We will have to play the same way and we believe that we will be even more dangerous. In my opinion, the duel is open,” declared Koubek.
Unlike the opening home game, he will be able to return to the lineup some players who were suspended for yellow cards. “To make sure it’s not a mistake, maybe they won’t be able to handle the match. No, seriously. We’ll have a wider selection of players,” Koubek said.
Before the rematch in Florence, Viktoria still has a league match against table leader Slavia on Sunday.
“We will be able to field players who could not play today. Fresh energy will come into the team. We are looking forward to the match, we are looking forward to it. Another European team will arrive. It is a shift, a portion, the boys gave a huge amount of strength today. But we are able to deploy fresh strength,” said Koubek.
He did not want to speculate on whether another successful cup result today could affect his future in Victoria. His contract expires after the season. “We are talking (about the future). It will take a few days to make a final decision,” added Koubek.