Patrick van Leeuwen: We couldn't continue playing at the same level in the second half

Head coach of Kryvyi Rih Kryvbas Patrick van Leeuwen commented on the away match of the 4th round of the UPL against Odesa Chornomorets - 0:1.

- Patrick, today the team lost to Chornomorets. How would you rate this match and the team's actions in general?

- I think we prepared well for this match. The first half showed that we were the better team on the field. We only lacked the last pass, but overall I think we completely controlled the game and dominated. The second half was almost the opposite. We stopped controlling the ball, we didn’t create dangerous moments, except for the episode in the last minute, when Santi Cuiza had his chance. That’s why the first and second halves were completely different.

- In the first half, Kryvbas had several chances, but couldn’t open the score. What was missing in the final stage?

- You could say that this is part of the team's development process, but for me personally it is a big disappointment. We were not able to continue playing in the second half at the same level that we showed in the first half of the match. Some of our players need to realize that they are playing professional football. And professional football in Kryvbas means that you have to be as focused as possible from the first to the last minute. You cannot allow yourself to drop out of the game or take breaks when the team needs maximum concentration and energy.

- What does the team need to change or improve before the next game?

- We need to work seriously. In addition, we need to develop the young guys who come on as substitutes and help them adapt to the demands of adult football faster. Today we finished the match with too many young players who still think in terms of youth football, not adult professional football. This is also part of our job, so we have to fix it.

Media of FC "Kryvbas" Kryvyi Rih