After the match between "Pakhtakor" and "Al Sadd" (2:1) in the 8th round of the Elite Champions League, Qatar team head coach Felix Sanchez participated in the post-match press conference.
- The game was as difficult as we expected. The scenario of the match did not go as we anticipated. We corrected the situation in the first half. After conceding the second goal, we tried to play better, but the red card spoke for itself. Such situations should happen less frequently and should not affect the outcome of the game. In the final minutes, we were tired and lost our organization. We gave opportunities to players who did not have enough playing time in previous matches, and they performed well. Now we need to focus on the upcoming important games.
- Your team had already secured a playoff spot. What was the team's enthusiasm like in today's match?
- The first 6 matches were enough to advance to the next stage. I believe we have proven that we are a competitive team. We will finish the initial stage of the tournament in the top 5, not in the top 8. My goal has always been to secure a higher position, but most likely we will take the fourth or fifth place. We played against various strong teams. I am satisfied with our overall participation in the tournament. We wanted to win today as well, but the result was not pleasing for us.
- It was cold today. How did this aspect affect your team's performance? It seemed uncomfortable for Qatari teams to play football in such weather.
- Such aspects cannot be an excuse for us. We need to adapt to every situation. The cold weather could not be the reason for today's defeat. Anything can happen at this level of competition.
- Did "Pakhtakor" perform as you expected today, or was there some unexpected move from the opponent?
- "Pakhtakor" has started working with a new head coach, and it is clear that the team is changing, but there were no major surprises. They had aimed to play similarly in the match against "Al Garafa" as well. The new foreign player Riaskos scored two goals against our goal today. From what I have studied about "Pakhtakor," they did not present any novelties.
Source: championat.asia
