Losada: “With results, you can start building confidence and improve the way you play”

Following the match, Hernán Losada spoke about the importance of securing the three points, the positive impact of the international break in helping players recover from injuries, and the increased competition for places now that more players are becoming available.

Regarding the importance of the result and the team’s increased options:

“The number of chances we create is something we need to improve, but I’m also pleased with the importance of having a bigger squad. When more players are available, you have more options to make decisions and influence the game. That makes us stronger and increases competition within the team.

“Today, the most important thing was the result. As we saw last season, results help you build confidence and improve the way you play. These are games in which you have a responsibility to win, regardless of the circumstances. These are the points that make a difference at the end of the season.

“It’s important to keep moving forward and stay close to the group of teams competing for the championship. I’m happy with the result, and we’ll have time to improve the other aspects of our game.”

Regarding the impact of the international break and the return of injured players:

“The international break was like an oasis in the desert for us. It gave us the opportunity to recover a lot of players. Some were still not fully fit to start, which influenced our decisions, but we knew these games are not easy and can open up in the second half. That’s why I wanted to keep important players, such as Bruno, available to make an impact later in the game.

“That’s exactly what happened with Bruno, but also with Dani, Alen and Ivan. Some of these players still need a few weeks of full training with the group to improve their fitness and reduce the risk of another injury. We now have more options, which makes my job more difficult, but that’s part of it. The players must understand that they compete not only against the opposition at the weekend, but also against each other during the week for a place in the starting eleven.

“My decisions are based on what I see in training, as well as what happens in matches. The training sessions are not open to you, although you’re always welcome to come and watch, but they play an important role in my decisions. I also planned to have players on the bench who could make a difference in the second half, and I’m pleased that this approach worked.”

Regarding whether the international break helped the team recover physically:

“Absolutely. As I mentioned earlier, having two weeks with six or seven days completely off was very important. We started pre-season after only 20 days of holiday and began training and playing matches much earlier than around 80% of the teams in this competition. We needed that time to recharge our batteries.

“The break also came at the right moment to help several players return from injury. Most of them are still not at 100%, so we’re working to get them into the best possible condition and make sure they can compete for a place in the starting eleven.”

Regarding why some returning players did not start the match:

“They are still not ready to play 90 minutes. When a player has been out of the squad for a long time, you have to bring him back step by step. Bruno, Alen and Ivan need to go through that process. I would love to have the freedom to decide whether they can start, but they were not fully fit, so why would I take that risk?

“I also want to make the difference in the first half and score more goals early in the game. But look at Omonia’s match against this opponent. We must not underestimate anyone. We often talk about games as if they are easy and we simply have to win them, but football doesn’t work like that.

“The opposition were also going through an emergency situation and had appointed a new coach after four matches. When a new coach comes in, you don’t know exactly what to expect. He might change the tactics or the defensive approach. It’s not that simple.

“I’m extremely happy that the players who came on were able to help the team win. Ultimately, what matters is winning and collecting points. If one day we can consistently win both halves, perhaps I’ll make different decisions. But winning the first half is never guaranteed, and that was the reasoning behind my choices.”

Press Office
Apollon Limassol