After Red Bull Salzburg's victory over Dinamo Kiev on Wednesday evening, the Champions League group stage is very close for Pepijn Lijnders. The Dutch coach is happy that he can finally give his players an extra day off.
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"The match had everything," Lijnders concluded afterward. "There were moments when we were incredible with the ball and moments when we were incredible without the ball. We controlled certain phases brilliantly, but then there were times when we struggled to find the right moments to press on. This inconsistency is something we need to work on if we want to compete at the highest level."
The coach from Limburg was candid about the areas that need improvement. "We lost simple balls in the middle of the pitch, and that’s exactly what Dinamo Kiev was waiting for they capitalized on those mistakes to launch their counterattacks. This is something we’ll need to address quickly, especially as we approach the group stages where the margin for error is even smaller."
Despite these challenges, Lijnders expressed his satisfaction with both the result and the team’s overall performance. "I'm very happy with the result, and also proud of the performance. A big compliment to the boys because this team spirit is what makes us a tougher team to play against. The boys have now played three demanding games in a short period, and they’ve shown great resilience. We can finally give them an extra day off, which I believe will be crucial for their recovery and preparation for the next challenges."
The Austrian media also weighed in on the match, highlighting both the strengths and weaknesses of the Red Bull Salzburg team. "Once again, it became clear that the defense of coach Pepijn Lijnders' team doesn't always live up to its name," wrote Kleine Zeitung. The publication pointed out that while Salzburg's defensive line has shown vulnerabilities, particularly when put under pressure, they managed to hold firm when it mattered most. "Even though the play was inferior at times, the defense stood strong, which is a testament to their growing maturity. The return match in Salzburg should be a formality if they can maintain this level of focus."
Despite Salzburg's relative inexperience on the European stage, particularly with such a young squad, Die Presse noted that the team appeared more mature and composed than their years might suggest. "With an average age of just under 22 years, Salzburg fended off everything Dinamo Kiev threw at them and seemed to have grown significantly as a unit. Their composure under pressure was notable, even though there was an element of luck or perhaps a lack of it on Dinamo Kiev's part that influenced the final outcome. This is a team that is learning quickly, and their ability to adapt and respond to different situations on the pitch is becoming more apparent."
The contrast with their performance in the previous week's 3-3 draw against FC Twente was also highlighted. "In that match, Salzburg looked less assured, struggling to maintain their composure when the pressure was on," Die Presse observed. "But against Dinamo Kiev, they showed signs of progress, displaying a level of resilience and tactical awareness that will serve them well in the upcoming matches."
As Salzburg edges closer to securing their place in the Champions League group stages, the sense of anticipation is growing. Lijnders and his team know that the road ahead will be challenging, but with each match, they are gaining valuable experience and building the momentum they need to compete against Europe's elite. The return leg in Salzburg is seen as the final hurdle before they can fully focus on the group stage, where they will face even tougher opponents.
Updated: 10:46, 22 Aug 2024
