Ž. Sopičius: 'We cannot be so scared'

2026-08-05 10:48 © L. Žemgulio

FK "Kauno Žalgirio" footballers faced off against Zagreb "GNK Dinamo" in the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round on Tuesday evening but suffered a defeat of 0:5 (0:2). After the match, the head coach of the Zalgiris team, Željko Sopić, shared his thoughts.

"I wanted to play against the 'Dinamo' team because I knew that at this level, it doesn't matter which team you are playing against. We need to understand that at this moment, 'Dinamo' was simply the better team. I don't want to say that our team showed a lack of desire, but the 'Dinamo' players were better in every situation. I missed normal football from my players - we can lose by seven or eight goals, but we cannot be that scared. Everyone made mistakes just receiving or passing the ball. Once again - at this level against such an opponent, you will definitely be punished. I also have to say that our goalkeeper saved us from an additional two or three goals. The better team won," said Ž. Sopić.

The strategist also answered the question of whether the team lacked experience at this level.

"Everything at this stage comes down to the quality of play. It is normal that even before the match I said that we will play as 'Dinamo' allows us. On the other hand, we came here to play football, and then we made childish mistakes. But that's how you grow in football," added Ž. Sopić.