Sousa: The team played with great maturity

Paulo Sousa was satisfied with his sides first leg performance

We managed to gain an advantage in today's game, even if it is a very slight one. The team played with lots of maturity, and the players knew exactly when to up the tempo, and when they needed to concentrate on keeping hold of the ball. We reacted well after conceding the goal, and we managed to achieve tactically what we spoke about before the game We played with great confidence, which was a very important factor. We now have a week to get ready and prepare for the return leg. I am sure that the game will be a difficult one, but I hope that the small errors will be corrected, and we can play better. A massive thanks is due to the supporters, with a large number travelling to Bratislava, despite dangerous circumstances. They also had nice banners and signs, and gave good backing to the side from the first minute of the match. I hope that supporters turn out in great numbers in Szekesfehervar next week. I know that together with their support, we can produce an even better performance than we did today. 

I feel that it was a fair result. I have to praise my players, as they played well. We should not have allowed the advantage to slip out of our hands following our goal. I was still satisfied with my team despite that. Videoton are a very good side, with experienced men in their team. They even had players in their team that had earlier been at Chelsea. They also have a very good youth academy. However, we also have everything in place to achieve better results later on. There were chances at both ends as both sides opened up a little. Although if you do not take gambles, you will not score goals. Videoton are a good side with an ambitious manager, and I am surprised that Videoton are not the Hungarian champions, but Debrecen instead. With the scores at 1-1, they will be putting us under pressure, but I still see a chance of us going through.

Szerző: David Rechnitzer