Losada: “We Played with Courage, but the Job Is Far from Done”

Our head coach, Hernan Losada, expressed his complete satisfaction following Apollon’s impressive 1-0 away victory over Brann, praising his players for an outstanding performance against a top-quality opponent, while insisting that qualification remains far from secured.

“Credit to all my players for the performance they produced tonight. We knew the quality of our opponents. Believe me, it is not easy to come here and win, and it is even more difficult to keep a clean sheet against a team that plays such attacking football and has been scoring consistently over the last few matches.”

The Argentine coach highlighted his team’s approach, placing particular emphasis on the courage shown by his players throughout the match.

“I told my players that we had to be brave and that we had to dare to play our football. Maybe the adrenaline is still speaking, but I believe our first 25 minutes were outstanding. Then we had to suffer for a period, but I also told them that we needed to enjoy suffering just as much as we enjoy having the ball. I think we managed both aspects of the game very well.”

Losada also referred to the second-half performance and the impact made by the substitutes.

“We started the second half very strongly, trying to keep our lines high. Towards the end, it was natural for Brann to take more risks, and we knew that, having played three days ago, they would eventually begin to lose energy. The players who came off the bench gave us the freshness we needed to see the game out in the right way.”

Despite taking a valuable advantage into the return leg, Losada made it clear that nothing has been decided.

“It’s obvious, but it has to be said. The job is far from done. Against an opponent like this, you have to stay fully focused. We return to Limassol with an advantage, but the tie is still very much open.”

The Apollon coach admitted he is already looking forward to the second leg at the ALPHAMEGA Stadium and urged the fans to turn out in large numbers.

“I hope we have a good flight home, get some rest and prepare for the second leg with exactly the same seriousness we showed for this match. We never underestimate any opponent.

I enjoyed every single minute of tonight. We played in difficult conditions, under heavy rain, in a packed stadium against a very strong team. I can’t wait for the return leg in front of our supporters, and I really hope the ALPHAMEGA Stadium will be full. We will need their support to finish the job and secure qualification.”

Asked about the atmosphere inside the stadium and the incident involving objects being thrown towards Apollon’s goalkeeper, Losada described such environments as part of football.

“I enjoy playing in stadiums like this. Norway is a country that loves football and the fans create a fantastic atmosphere. As long as everything stays within the rules, I have no problem with it. On Tuesday, it will be our supporters’ turn to create a great atmosphere in our own stadium.”

Press Office
Apollon Limassol FC