Omonia and Apollon settled for a “disappointing” 0-0 draw at GSP Stadium in the third matchday of the Cyprus League by Stoiximan.
Henning Berg appeared satisfied with Omonia’s performance but also convinced that his team could have walked away with a victory from the GSP. The “Clover” coach highlighted the chances his team created, their solid defensive performance, and the need for improvement in the attacking third.
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Hernán Lozada expressed his satisfaction with the point and his team’s performance. The “Blue” coach highlighted the character and mindset displayed by his players, despite significant absences and two forced substitutions in the first half.
Here are his comments in detail
Henning Berg
Initial comment: “It was a match against a good team. We were the team that had the most chances on the field and could have won. Our defense played well, and Apollon didn’t create any chances against us. We kept them at bay. We need to improve our play in the attacking third. It’s not easy to beat Apollon.”
On whether the fact that the two teams have a similar style of play played a role: “I don’t think the fact that the two teams have a similar style of play played a role. Both teams have quality players. It would have been a different game if we’d scored a goal. I’m pleased with my players. They dominated the game, and we need to improve our play in the attacking third.”
Ernán Lozada
Initial comment: “We came here to do our best against last year’s champions. It’s not easy, especially considering the two forced substitutions, which threw off our game plan—and that’s something we’ll need to look into to figure out why it happened. Nevertheless, we fought hard in the game; we had some good stretches, but the substitutions disrupted our rhythm. I’m satisfied with the points we’ve earned in these three games. We didn’t lose and we remain undefeated, despite the problems. That’s the mindset we need to have. I’m really looking forward to playing with a full roster.”
On his team’s mindset: “If there’s one thing you can’t deny about this team, it’s their mindset and character—how they fight for every goal and how much they make life difficult for every opponent. I don’t know if this performance can be considered a statement, since we’re only three games in, but it’s important, under such difficult circumstances, to show that we can stay strong.”
On whether this performance is a statement that Apollon is in the running for the championship: “We’re staying the course we set last year. We’re proud of what we’re doing. We remain competitive, and I don’t think this is a statement that we’re going for the championship, because there are still many games to play.”
How difficult is it to manage the ongoing absences: “It’s part of my job; I’m paid to find solutions when these things happen.”
