Anastasiou: “We were given a lesson in concentration”
After qualifying for the third preliminary round of the UEFA Europa League, Atromitos manager Giannis Anastasiou stressed the importance of the final result, while FC DAC 1904 Dunajska Streda head coach Peter Hyballa congratulated his players with their efforts.
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Protecting a 2:1 lead from the first leg, Atromitos seemed to be well on their way to the next phase in Peristeri, as goals in the first half from Alexandros Katranis and Giorgos Manousos put them in a commanding position. However, FC DAC fought back through Eric Ramirez and Zsolt Kalmar, and Atromitos needed a late marker from Spyros Risvanis to guarantee qualification.
“The most important thing is that we managed to win,” stated Anastasiou when speaking to the media after the conclusion of the match. “However, there were definitely aspects of the game which require improvement, and we’re still in the process of creating a good team. Instead of the score becoming 2:2, we had the chance to make it 3:0. It was a thrilling match for the fans, the score could have ended up at 4:2 or 3:3. Legia Warsaw? Yes, they have great history and tradition in Europe, but we have hope. Today, we were given a lesson in concentration.”
FC DAC 1904 Dunajska Streda boss Peter Hyballa felt that the Slovakians were the better team: “In my opinion, Atromitos were better at counterattacking, but we were better as a team,” said Hyballa in his press-conference. “During this past week, we worked very hard in training, but football is about both defence and attack. Atromitos defended solidly. When we went 0:2 down, we felt disappointed, but we did manage to get back into the game.
We gave it our all. At 2:2, we could sense that we had a great opportunity to qualify, but it didn’t happen. I congratulate my players for their efforts. I am proud of them.”
