Kauno Žalgiris coach rues missed chances in Champions League qualifier draw

Kauno Žalgiris coach Željko Sopić admitted to mixed feelings after his team's 1-1 draw against Kosovo champions Drita in their Champions League qualifying debut. While satisfied with the overall team performance, Sopić lamented missed opportunities to secure a more advantageous lead for the second leg.

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I think we had better chances to score and perhaps travel to Kosovo with at least a one-goal advantage, but that's football.

"I think we had better chances to score and perhaps travel to Kosovo with at least a one-goal advantage, but that's football," Sopić stated. He noted a lack of effective passing into the penalty area, especially given the hot weather, which he felt made defending easier for the opponents. "We had situations, but we didn't make the passes, and when the weather is so rainy, it's very dangerous when the ball flies into the penalty area. Anything can happen there," he added.

Despite the draw, Sopić praised his team's play, acknowledging that Drita competed in the UEFA Conference League last year. He hopes for future improvements in specific game segments. The coach also mentioned that the team, having recently welcomed new players, is still working on optimal form, as some players joined without being in peak condition after finishing their seasons elsewhere.

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We had situations, but we didn't make the passes, and when the weather is so rainy, it's very dangerous when the ball flies into the penalty area. Anything can happen there.

"We can't change too much. We can only expect slightly better physical condition from those players who joined recently," Sopić explained. He acknowledged that the quality of play depends on this. "If you give opponents a chance to pass... Naturally, at the end, we lacked a bit of luck to score a second goal. But, as I said, this is only the first match. It doesn't matter what happened tonight. The return match awaits," he concluded, emphasizing his focus on his own team rather than the opponent.

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We can't change too much. We can only expect slightly better physical condition from those players who joined recently.

The team now shifts its attention to domestic competition, with a league match against FK Panevėžys scheduled before the crucial return leg against Drita. Sopić indicated there is little time for extensive analysis, with another match just four days later, followed by the second encounter with Drita three days after that.

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Naturally, at the end, we lacked a bit of luck to score a second goal. But, as I said, this is only the first match. It doesn't matter what happened tonight. The return match awaits.