“We are a bit disappointed, that is obvious,” Roman said after the match. “We deserved more. In the second half we created quite a few chances and had good momentum. In the end we conceded from two set pieces, but that’s football. I am happy the players showed character, came back from behind twice, and that’s what we will take from this match.”
Roman, who was called in to guide the first team in the morning and was assisted by Avi Rikan and Shura Ubarov, said: “In the first half the game was very static, Ashdod were in a low block. In the second half the substitutions and the dynamics led to a more fluid game on our side,” he added. “In football sometimes one or two set pieces are enough for a draw. Like I said, I am happy that the players, kept going in a difficult situation, believed, and pushed until the end.”
On the preparations for the match, Roman added: “I have only been with the team for a few hours, it wouldn’t be fair to analyse the situation. Obviously it’s not the most pleasant, but it is part of football. I am happy the players showed enough character, experience, and competitiveness to overcome it, and overall they played a good match.”
Finally, when asked how it felt to stand on the sidelines tonight, he said: “For me it feels natural. There’s a very strong and well-organized structure here, excellent professionals, and the best players in the country. In the end this is an organisation whose strength comes from its structure, and that’s the story.”
