Patrick van Leeuwen: We lacked the energy and fighting spirit needed for a positive result

Patrick van Leeuwen, head coach of Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih, commented on the UPL Matchday 7 away game against Polissya Zhytomyr, which ended in a 0:1 defeat.

- Patrick, how would you assess the team's performance today?

- I think we didn't play well enough in the first half, especially regarding our pressing. Our two wingers - Rivas and Seсk - didn't provide the energy or the level of play we expected from them and had worked on in training. We conceded a goal very early on. Of course, Polissya had other chances after that, but in the second half, we really should have equalized and scored.

Kamenskyi had a very good chance. We had other opportunities to score after that, too, but it wasn't enough. We lacked energy and, perhaps, the fighting spirit needed to get more out of this game.

- How much did the early goal affect the team?

- I expected us to start the match better. We conceded too quickly, and some players might have started getting nervous or even scared. Plus, we didn't get the maximum output we were counting on from them. That’s why I made substitutions at halftime, hoping to change the situation.

- Kryvbas looked much more active in the second half. What managed to change?

- After the break, there was more energy, chances were created, and we played better football - the kind of football we are capable of playing. That was the positive aspect of the second half. And, of course, I wish Kamenskyi had converted his chance instead of hitting the post.

- There is an upcoming break for international matches. How do you plan to use this period?

- We have players who will be joining their national teams. With the remaining players, we will continue to work and develop over the next few days, as we still have a lot of work to do.

- You often speak about the process of building the team. How important is time for the players to develop a mutual understanding?

- We aren't a fully formed team yet - we have many different nationalities and young players. So, we need not only to teach them about football but also to help them understand what the life of a professional footballer entails. And that takes time. So, for now, they’ll have a few days of rest, and then we’ll get back to work.

Media of FC "Kryvbas" Kryvyi Rih