Patrick van Leeuwen: In the first half, they showed too much respect to the opponent

The head coach of Kryvyi Rih Kryvbas Patrick van Leeuwen commented on the away match against Kyiv Dynamo in the 10th round of the UPL – 0:4.

- During this week, we were preparing for the game against one of the best teams in Ukraine. As we told the guys during the break, in the first half we showed too much respect for the opponent. Because of this, we lacked the aggression and quality of the game that our players usually demonstrate.

In the second half, we asked the team to add more aggression and energy. Although we did not create as many chances as we could, we still tried to change the course of the game. We made substitutions, released young players who already had experience of matches against Dynamo. We hoped that they would be able to show character. Unfortunately, at the end of the match we conceded the fourth goal.

Summing up this tournament period, we played nine good matches, were in the top part of the standings, and this game became an important lesson for us. We need to prepare even better for strong opponents. We have drawn conclusions, we are returning home and will continue to work to improve the team.

Regarding the conditions, it seems to me that recently in Kyiv it is even more dangerous than in Kryvyi Rih. Despite this, our team has the opportunity to prepare for matches in a quality way. Of course, there are certain difficulties, but we are trying to adapt. We are working well, taking into account all the moves. Foreign players also remain positive and are taking the circumstances responsibly.

- Dynamo Kyiv opened the scoring at the beginning of the first half. How did this goal affect the further course of the game and the psychological state of the team?

- It happened after a set piece. In such moments, we always expect players to take care of their opponents. But at one point we lost the player who scored - Popov. This should not happen, especially when the game is built on personal selection and aggression. It is a pity that we conceded from a set piece.

- The opponent actively pressed from the first minutes. How much did you expect such pressure and how did our team react to it?

- We knew that we would be pressured. During training, we practiced different situations, both under pressure and without it. So the players knew what to expect. They have to read the game and react to it. But, in my opinion, we reacted too slowly, not at the pace at which we usually play.

- What changes or instructions did you give to the players at half-time? There were also a lot of substitutions. How would you comment on Jhoel May's debut?

- At half-time we talked less about tactics and more about showing character, showing our qualities, not being afraid and getting back the aggression we had in previous matches. That was the main goal - to get back the aggression. We made the substitutions at the end of the second half, we wanted to give a chance to fresh, young players who could bring something special tonight.

Yes, it didn't work, but they got their experience, which is also important for us, because we continue to build a young team. As for Joel, it's time to give him a few minutes after a month of training with us. So today he started to get used to the Ukrainian championship.

- How do you think this game will affect the team emotionally or psychologically?

- I don't think the players will have any difficulties because of it. They have already shown good football in previous matches. We will return home, review the game, everyone should evaluate their actions, understand what they could have done better or what they forgot to do. And after that we will prepare for the next match.

Media of FC "Kryvbas" Kryvyi Rih