First team

MACHÍN: 'THE TEAM WAS DETERMINED AND PROFESSIONAL'

20/02/2019

The manager said 'we finished the match tired but we have to celebrate this well-deserved victory'

Pablo Machín attended the media after the team's victory against SS Lazio in the UEFA Europa League Round of 32. The manager firstly gave a general evaluation of the tie: 'I think every team suffers at some point in every game, of course there were some difficult moments. The team were determined and professional. The opponent had nothing to lose, the sending-off changed the game and we ended up really tired but we have to celebrate this well-deserved victory.'

The manager also talked about Escudero having to come off injured at the start of the game: 'It's tough as it takes away one of the substitutes you can make later on in the game. We played 10 or so minutes a man down but in the toughest stage of the game we found our moment. We got the second and then we were able to hold on.'

Furthermore, Machín spoke about the sending-offs: 'These things can happen in Europe. There's no point in talking about the referees. Sometimes sending-offs go your way and sometimes they don't. You always have to fight no matter the circumstances.'

To finish, the manager spoke about two players. Firstly he said that Promes 'came on a little bit cold but then he showed the determination, desire and character he has.' He then spoke about Marko Rog making his debut: 'I'm sure he would have wanted more minutes but he helped us win the game.'