Vincenzo Italiano's Statement on Kauno Zalgiris Match and Ernest Poku
Stating that they want to maintain concentration despite the 3-0 advantage from the first match, Black-and-Whites' head coach Italiano shared the process of new signing Poku joining the team and their goals.
Beşiktaş Head Coach Vincenzo Italiano evaluated the team's goals and provided information about new signing Ernest Poku at a press conference held before the UEFA Europa League play-off second leg match against Kauno Zalgiris.
Europa League Goal and Match Concentration
In Beşiktaş, who will face Kauno Zalgiris away in the second leg of the UEFA Europa League play-off round following a 3-0 first-leg win, head coach Vincenzo Italiano recalled that they reached this stage by advancing through two rounds. Italiano stated that their main objective is to qualify for the Europa League and that this goal is of great importance to them.
Emphasizing that they do not want to leave anything to chance despite the first match ending in a decisive victory, the experienced manager noted that there are teams that were eliminated following similar scores, stating that they will seek victory on the pitch with full concentration until the very last moment.
Ernest Poku Transfer and Squad Status
Evaluating new transfer Ernest Poku, Italiano expressed that the player is under 23, effective in one-on-ones, fast, and an offensive winger with the exact qualities they wanted. He noted that Poku will join the team after Friday and enter the competition.
Also providing information about the squad status, Italiano stated that Trossard, who has a minor illness, is not in the match squad, and that he will field players against Kauno Zalgiris who can give one hundred percent on the pitch.
Losses and Team Reaction
Pointing out that losing is a natural part of the process in football, Italiano noted that losses can occur over a long season, but the main important factor is the reaction shown after a defeat.
Emphasizing that they put the league struggle aside to focus entirely on this match, the coach added that they must avoid negative performance and keep their performance at a high level by learning from mistakes.