Ludogorets head coach Rui Mota said that he was not satisfied with the team's performance after the 0:0 draw as a guest of the Croatian Rijeka in the first match of the second qualifying round in the Champions League.
The Portuguese specialist was particularly critical of the game in the first half and added that the team still has something to work on in the final phase.
"I'm not so happy with the game. Especially in the first half we didn't play the way I wanted. Rijeka started very strongly, we didn't adapt quickly and we gave them possession of the ball very quickly. Then we played better, we created some chances, but in the last third we were not aggressive," said Mota.
"In the second half we created chances more easily, we put the ball into their half more easily, but again we lacked precision in the last third. We need to be more aggressive on the wings. In the second half we found the spaces, but we did not develop our attacks," added the coach of the "Eagles".
"We knew that we were in for a difficult game. In the second half we improved and we knew that Rijeka would play with balls in depth. In that respect we did well. We knew that the fans here are very passionate, but I think the players like to play in front of a full stadium. We were surprised that Rijeka did not play with a central striker, but we adapted. The pitch was very difficult to play on and fortunately there were no injuries. But now we are at half-time of the match. The players who came on helped a lot. Stanic got involved very well, I know his qualities. Naresi and Duarte also got involved very well. Everyone should know that they can be relied on. The most important thing is that we didn't lose today. The next match is at home and we will have to find better solutions," concluded the Ludogorets coach.
Ludogorets central defender Edvin Kurtulus described the 0:0 draw achieved as a guest of the Croatian Rijeka in the first match between the two teams from the second qualifying round of the Champions League as very good.
"Rijeka is a tough opponent who plays physical football. I think the result is good and gives us a chance before the second leg. We always want to win, but today we failed to score. We still didn't concede a goal, which was the most important thing," the Swedish defender said.
"At the end of the match, Rijeka's players looked tired and we had to take advantage of that. But a "clean sheet" on an away match in the Champions League is a very good achievement. We gave ourselves a good opportunity for the rematch. I know what qualities we have. We have quality players in both attack and defense. I hope we can also have a good match in the championship against Botev Vratsa on Friday. Munir Shujar has trained with us many times and he wants to fight for his place in the team. Petar Stanic also passes very well and I think he will leave his mark," concluded Kurtulus, who was on the field for the entire 90 minutes.