Sopić ahead of Dinamo rematch: 'We must show we are not such a bad team'

Kauno Žalgiris faces Dinamo Zagreb in the second leg of their Champions League qualifier, with the tie all but decided after a 5-0 defeat in the first match. Despite the significant deficit, coach Željko Sopić is focused on his team's reaction and performance rather than a comeback.

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It would be foolish to say we will come back after a 0-5 loss. I am not that kind of person. However, we have secured a place in European competition, so it is most important that the guys enjoy the game. We also need to show that we are not as bad a team as we looked in Zagreb.

"It would be foolish to say we will come back after a 0-5 loss. I am not that kind of person," Sopić stated. "However, we have secured a place in European competition, so it is most important that the guys enjoy the game. We also need to show that we are not as bad a team as we looked in Zagreb."

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I think the atmosphere, pressure, and quality of the players in Zagreb made us look small. I am convinced we can play better.

Sopić suggested that the atmosphere, pressure, and quality of Dinamo's players in the first leg contributed to his team's poor showing. He believes Žalgiris can play better and is also looking ahead to their domestic league commitments. "The next match in the Topliga is important to us now. I'm not saying the match against Dinamo isn't important and that we won't give our all, but we have to think about the future," he added.

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The next match in the Topliga is important to us now. I'm not saying the match against Dinamo isn't important and that we won't give our all, but we have to think about the future.

Having already guaranteed a place in a European competition, Žalgiris will continue their European journey regardless of the outcome against Dinamo. Sopić holds Dinamo in high regard, calling them the strongest team in this qualifying round and suggesting they might even reach the Champions League. He urged fans to attend the match to support the team and witness a high-caliber opponent.

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We love the club when it wins and loses. Together we won against a team from the Faroe Islands and together we lost against a stronger opponent. I am from Zagreb and I can say that Dinamo is the strongest team in this playoff.