Perković: “We’ve only done half the job, the second leg is ahead”

“Noah” head coach Sandro Perković summed up his team’s away victory over Slovenian “Olimpija” (4:1) in the first leg of the Conference League playoff round. The match took place on August 21 in Ljubljana.

Sandro Perković’s post-match press conference

“A very important victory”
“I congratulate my team for this performance and this win. I also want to congratulate our opponent for fair play,” Perković said. “This victory was very important for us, especially after the setback against ‘Lincoln’. But, as I said yesterday, the outcome of the tie will be decided in the return leg in Abovyan. Our goal there will also be to win.”

Progress in the game and belief in the team

According to the coach, the result was pleasing, but more important was the quality of football:

“In the three previous away matches we were close to winning but couldn’t. Today luck was on our side. For me, the main thing is how we play, how we look on the pitch, how we show character. I see progress from match to match.”

Responding to skepticism surrounding the team, he emphasized:

“In football everything is simple: when you win — people believe in you, when you lose — you’re already bad. But we’ve only done half the job. Another match is ahead, and we have a week to prepare.”

Jakoliš, Oulad and Pinson — about the heroes of the match

Journalists paid special attention to Noah’s players.

On Marin Jakoliš:
“I don’t think he played badly before. He joined us already during pre-season, didn’t take part in friendlies, so it was harder for him to find rhythm. Today he scored, played well, but I expect more from him because I know his capabilities,” Perković said.

On Imran Oulad Omar, who scored a hat-trick:
“The whole team played a great match. Yes, Oulad is our hero today, but without teamwork the stars don’t shine.”

On Virgile Pinson:
“Pinson is one of the most important players in the team. Today he entered the match very well, showed his technique. He is difficult to stop, and I am as satisfied with his performance as with the entire squad.”

The second leg — in a week

Returning to his main point, Perković reminded:
“We’ve only done half the job. A full week of preparation is ahead, and we must approach the game in good form. I call on as many fans as possible to come and support us — to become the 12th player,” said Sandro Perković.