Neestrup: 'I am not satisfied with the performance, but we keep the qualification'

Panathinaikos scraped through to the Conference League's third qualifying round with a late goal against Paksi, but head coach Jacob Neestrup was far from pleased with his team's performance. The Danish manager admitted he was not satisfied with the display, despite achieving the primary objective of advancing.

After securing a 2-1 advantage in the first leg in Hungary, Panathinaikos faced a tense match at the OAKA stadium. The breakthrough came in the 85th minute when Rushton scored, sealing their progression. However, Neestrup pointed to the team's anxiety and inability to capitalize on earlier opportunities as significant concerns.

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Indeed, a difficult opponent. We should have taken advantage of the first game and the chances. We had anxiety, I am not satisfied with the performance, but we keep the qualification and look to the next phase.

"We had anxiety, I am not satisfied with the performance, but we keep the qualification and look to the next phase," Neestrup stated. He specifically highlighted the team's vulnerability to conceding goals, noting, "We must not concede easy goals like today's." The coach stressed that while the qualification is secured, there are numerous areas requiring improvement before the next stage of the competition.

Neestrup acknowledged Paksi as a difficult opponent and reflected on missed chances from the first leg. The focus now shifts to preparing for the next round, with the coach emphasizing the need for a more robust and consistent performance to avoid similar struggles.

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We must not concede easy goals like today's. We keep the qualification and continue.