Hugo Martins focused on his players’ lack of energy and mistakes in the first half following AEL’s 3-1 loss to Aris at the “Alphamega Stadium” in the seventh round of the Cyprus League by Stoiximan.
On the other hand, Artyom Radzhkov expressed satisfaction with the result and his players’ performance, but at the same time kept his expectations in check, noting that there is room for improvement.
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Here’s what was said in detail:
Hugo Martins (AEL): “The game had two distinct phases. In the first half, the team lacked cohesion, lacked energy in one-on-one situations, and we conceded two easy goals. The opponent scored off our mistakes and because of our lack of energy. In the second half, we were better, but we lost momentum after Evagoras’s disallowed goal. We tried to turn things around with our substitutions; we tried to fight until the end and score. We didn’t play the way we wanted to, even though we’re near the top of the standings; now we need to figure out what we did wrong, what to carry forward for the next games, and also acknowledge the energy provided by the players who came on as substitutes.”
Aris (Artyom Radzhkov): “I’d like to congratulate my team and the entire staff. It was a derby, and when you win a game like that, it feels different. We played very well in the first half. It was a match with a great atmosphere, reminiscent of a European game. I also want to thank our fans; there may have been fewer of them, but they helped us.”
On preparation and the key to victory: “I prepared my team as I always do. We trained well and hard. That’s one of the reasons we weren’t as effective in the second half. AEL is a good team with experienced players. We study our opponents, but sometimes it’s better to play your own style.”
On Aris’s room for improvement: “Our toughest opponent is ourselves. I believe we’re a young team with room to improve. However, I’m satisfied today.”
