Standard managed to continue after qualifying for the Belgian Cup, despite a chaotic end to the match against Sint-Truiden. Ivan Leko was satisfied with the result obtained by his team, but also highlighted a much more complicated second half.
Standard showed two very different faces, but was still able to win the three points against STVV. A performance analyzed by the Rouches coach, Ivan Leko, at a press conference.
“The first period for Standard, the second for STVV. Then, it’s the one who converts his chances best. I really liked our first period, with calm, confidence and danger, and with the right defensive intensity.”
“Saint-Truiden had only lost once in ten games, to Genk, the best team, being 10 up since the 15th minute. They are an excellent team. At 2-0, everything depends on the third goal. If it’s 3-0, the match is over, but at 2-1, there is automatically panic and stress. You have to maintain intensity when you defend a result and we didn’t do that. , we retreated too much and our opponent’s confidence increased.”
Maintain a result while maintaining intensity, a major point of work for the Standard
“The key was the first 15 minutes of the second half. Then we didn’t play our counter-attacks as well. The 2-1 was a gift, then they didn’t really have a huge chance to equalize, even though “There was constant pressure. It’s football, that’s also what happened during our last two trips, we came home with our heads down despite a good performance and I’m happy to take the three points. this time.”
The Standard coach was naturally questioned about the phase of Adriano Bertaccini’s canceled goal at the end of the match, which plunged the Trudonnaires into great anger (read here). Leko preferred to kick into touch.
“I haven’t seen it, it’s difficult. Sometimes it’s for you, sometimes for the opponent. In Belgium, we need a serious level of refereeing, like in the Champions League. The teams who play in European competitions, it’s serious and we need that in Belgium too.
