Losada: “If we keep playing this way, we will win more games than we lose”
Following the draw against Pafos FC, Hernan Losada spoke at the post-match press conference about the disappointment of dropping points late in the game, the team’s performance and the need to improve defensively, while also expressing his pride in the way Apollon play.
“We continue to score goals, netting another two, but we also continue to concede. That leaves a bitter taste because we did absolutely everything to take all three points against a team that came here and showed us a great deal of respect. Considering the way they played, the players they have and the experience of their coach, I genuinely feel proud.
“I am proud of the way we play and the respect we earn from our opponents. In that respect, I am a satisfied coach. However, once again, we failed to manage the result in the closing minutes, despite doing many good things, working extremely hard, creating numerous chances and being dominant and better than our opponents for long periods.
“Of course, tonight we feel that we have dropped two points, but the season is long. We are only in the eighth round.
“I hope we continue to play this way because, by the end of the season, we will win more games than we lose. Although we feel we dropped two points today, we remain unbeaten and are the only unbeaten team in the competition.
“We continue to create a great number of chances, and when you create chances, you give yourself a strong opportunity to win games.
“Going into the international break, I know we need to improve defensively. If there was one thing we discussed with the whole team, it was the way Pafos created their chances. Essentially, they threatened with simple, long balls into the space behind our defence. At the beginning, it was Lele making those runs; towards the end, it was Anderson. It hurts that, in the 88th minute, we were unable as a team to deal with another ball of that kind.
“There are different ways to earn points. The way we played today makes us proud. We showed discipline, the right mentality and the right attitude. If we continue to play this way, we will win many more games than we lose.”
On the team’s strong start and overall performance:
“If our goal had not been disallowed because of a shoulder being offside, it would have been the perfect start. In any case, it was part of our plan to start strongly and press as high up the pitch as possible. That would force our opponents into making mistakes, and we scored the equaliser thanks to a moment of high pressing.
“We should not underestimate the energy it took to come back from 0-1 and turn the score around to 2-1. Even after taking the lead, we had chances to score a third goal. Honestly, there were many reasons why we deserved to win today.
“We fought our way back into the game, and the two goals we conceded came from set pieces: a penalty and a corner, situations in which we needed to defend better. On the other hand, we scored two very good goals. One came from our high press, while the other followed an excellent combination between Alen Ozbolt and Brandon Thomas, who made a run from the outside in and finished with one touch.
“The players are putting in a tremendous effort and giving everything they have. We work hard in training throughout the week to create chances through a clear game plan. We do not rely on long balls or random attacks. There are moments when I genuinely enjoy watching the way this team plays.
“Of course, in the end, points are what matter. However, I do not leave today feeling bad. Losing concentration is also part of football. The less you lose control and focus, and the more concentrated you remain, the greater your chances of winning the game.”
Press Office
Apollon Limassol
