Losada and Weissbeck: “We want to complete the job in front of our fans”

Apollon head coach Hernán Losada and midfielder Gaëtan Weissbeck represented Apollon at the press conference ahead of the second leg against Brann in the third qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League.

The Argentine coach spoke about the excitement surrounding the team ahead of its second European night at ALPHAMEGA Stadium, as well as the importance of the fans’ support.

“We are all very excited about tomorrow’s game. It is our second European night at home and we hope we will have a lot of supporters behind us to help us qualify for the next round.

Seeing the team and my players training this week, the energy, focus and desire they are showing to fight for qualification gives me a lot of confidence. We know that a one-goal lead can disappear very quickly, but I believe that, based on the effort we put in in Norway, we deserve to start the game with this advantage.”

Losada made it clear that Apollon will not change its philosophy despite the advantage from the first leg.

“Even though we have the advantage, we will approach the game as if it is 0-0, with the same mentality and the same game plan. Just as we did in the second leg against Dila Gori, when we had a four-goal advantage, that did not change anything for us.

The worst thing we can do is sit in our own half and give the initiative to a team that has many quality players and a very good coach. We want, under our circumstances, with our weather and in front of our fans, to play according to our philosophy and our style once again.”

Speaking about the game plan, the Argentine coach highlighted the importance of making a strong start.

“There are many things we cannot control, but the way we have prepared and the motivation I see in my team give me confidence that we will give our very best to complete the mission.

It is very simple. If we do not lose, we qualify, because there are two results that would take us through. To achieve that, we have to remain ourselves and never give the opponent the feeling that they have an opportunity to control the game.

If everything goes according to plan, I hope we can score the first goal. I want us to go out strongly, show our strength in front of our fans and try to score first. I believe that could have a psychological impact on the opponent and allow us to control the game.

Of course, we have to be careful and very focused defensively because Brann have a lot of quality. I respect them a lot, but I believe that going out with full force and trying to score the first goal could be the key to tomorrow’s game.”

Losada also spoke about the way new players have adapted quickly to the team’s playing philosophy.

“The coaching staff and I have a very clear message. We do not change the way we play or our principles, whether it is the offensive or defensive part of the game. Our principles are non-negotiable.

Repetition leads to perfection. It does not matter that much who the opponent is. We believe in our principles and, by repeating them constantly, we create the synchronisation and fluidity in our game. That allows new players to adapt much faster.

I always give credit to the players. They are the ones putting this philosophy into practice on the pitch. It is also important that they enjoy this way of playing and believe in it. That helps the new players adapt much faster.”

Asked whether Apollon are now the favourites after the first-leg result, Losada was clear:

“I believe the chances are still 50-50. As a coach, I never want to describe my team as favourites or underdogs. Of course, with a one-goal advantage and the second leg at home, we are slightly the favourites. But in football there are no favourites. You have to go out there and play the game.

Before the first leg, it motivated us that we were not considered the favourites. Brann had an incredible European campaign last season, they have a good team and they had reasons to be considered favourites. We had not played in Europe for the last four years. Who is the favourite is more a question for the journalists.”

Regarding Brann’s approach to the second leg, the Apollon head coach said:

“I believe many of the things we saw in the first game in Norway will happen again tomorrow. That is because I believe both myself and Brann’s coach believe in the way our teams play. We are not going to change something that we are not used to.

Brann will have to take a little more risk. Ninety minutes is a long time and many things can happen, especially when the difference is only one goal. We have to stop their strengths and repeat many of the good things we did in Norway.”

Regarding the weather conditions and the heat in Cyprus, Losada emphasised the importance of mental preparation.

“They are certainly not used to playing in these conditions, but they have done it before when they came here and won. On the other hand, we were not used to playing in the rain a week ago. So it can affect both teams.

Football is largely a mental game. You have to focus on the match and your game plan. If you believe that the humidity and the heat will affect you, then it can. We have been training here for several weeks in these conditions, so we are more accustomed to them, but the intensity we had in the first game in Norway would be difficult for both teams to replicate. Hopefully, the conditions will work in our favour tomorrow.”

From the players’ side, Gaëtan Weissbeck stressed that the objective is qualification.

“The coach has said almost everything about the game. We know that it is a very important match. A one-goal lead is not enough and we want to fight to win the game again, not just defend.

There are some areas of our game where we can improve and we worked very well throughout the week to be in the best possible condition. We are really ready to fight in front of our fans. It will be amazing and we will give everything to win and qualify for the next round.”

Asked what he wants to contribute to the team at such an important moment, the French midfielder said:

“It is very simple. To do my maximum for the team. That is the most important thing, and to give everything to get the qualification tomorrow.”

Weissbeck also spoke about the importance of Apollon’s return to European competition and his own experience.

“I am very proud. It is something new for me, as these are my first European games. I am very happy, not only for myself but for the whole club.

When I came here two years ago, the target was to return to Europe and finally we have achieved it. I hope we can go even further, but first of all we have to qualify for the next round. I am very happy to be here at this great club.”

Press Office
Apollon Limassol