The head coach of the Latvia national football team, Paolo Nicolato, stated after the defeat to Montenegro that his team played one of its best matches in recent years and fully controlled the game until the second conceded goal.
The head coach of the Latvia national football team, Paolo Nicolato, stated after the defeat to Montenegro that his team played very well until the second conceded goal, as reported by LETA.
On Friday in Riga, the Latvia national team lost to Montenegro 1:2 (0:1) in the third round of the UEFA Nations League.
“It was one of our best games in recent years. If there is a right way to lose, this is it, because we did everything we could,” said Nicolato, as quoted by the Latvian Football Federation.
According to the coach, the Latvia national team played with high intensity, created many dangerous moments, and took numerous shots on goal. He noted that the team was a bit unlucky but acknowledged the high level of the opponent.
Nicolato particularly highlighted the performance of the midfield, which, in his opinion, successfully controlled the ball even against a strong team.
The coach also mentioned the young players, whom he considers the future of the national team: Dennis Cirkin, Markus Strodss, Oskars Vientiess, Danila Patiychuk, and Kristers Čudars. Additionally, he praised Dmitrijs Zelenskovs, calling him the best midfielder in the Higher League.
“Until the second conceded goal, we played very well; up to that moment, the game was under our control. The class of the opponent showed itself in the final stages of attacks. After the second conceded goal, doubts arose, but the team did not give up and continued to attack again, and again, and again. It was character, strategy, and quality — all together,” said Nicolato.
He emphasized that he intends to focus on the positive aspects of the game and continue working on the development of the team.
“We have technical players capable of playing technical football. Mistakes will always happen, and not every game will go well, but for me, it is important to see such dedication until the very end,” noted the head coach.
In the next match, Dennis Cirkin and team captain Antoniy Chernomordyy will not be able to play. Cirkin will miss the match, while Chernomordyy is suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards.
Nicolato expressed confidence that the team would be able to find solutions to the personnel issues.
“We are building something for the future. I feel that something is happening. Together, we can create a good team,” emphasized the coach.
After three rounds in Group C3 of the Nations League, Montenegro has nine points, Cyprus has four, Armenia has three, and the Latvia national team has one point.
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