Speaking at the press conference held after the 1-0 victory against Gençlerbirliği, Kocaelispor Coach Selçuk İnan said that this match is very important for them because they have been playing against a team that is in high form and resilient in recent weeks.
Stating that the guest team was a team that was tough, especially in transitions, had a high fighting power and ran a lot, İnan said, “We knew all of this, we prepared accordingly. Our players fought very well. I am very happy that we won a very difficult match.” he said.
“Did Kocaelispor turn the difficult into easy or did Gençlerbirliği fall short of your expectations?” In response to the question, İnan said:
“You can never look at it like this in football. No coach looks at it from the second side. It never happens. The more you fight, the better you are, the worse or lower the performance of the other person. Evaluations are made, but as a coach, we always look at it from the first side. Our players fought very well. They did not leave any space. Then, when you make this comment, you pacify the work and effort of your own players, our own team. That’s why our players came to Gençlerbirliği today, let them play that game, that power or whatever their strengths are. That’s why I’m proud of them.”
Stating that they worked hard and were happy to be rewarded for their efforts, İnan said, “There will be times when you work as much as you want and you will not be rewarded, this is football. I am very happy for now because what we think and work for comes to the field. The happiest moment for a coach is when the players reflect everything you have worked for on the field. That’s why I congratulate our players again. I try to keep all the players ready.” he said.
Pointing out that they have two very difficult matches ahead of them, but first the Karacabey Belediyespor match is important in the cup match, İnan said, “We want to be in the cup as well. The adequacy of the squad depth is of course your own opinion. I do not comment too much on this, but we need to play and see all our players somehow. At the same time, we need to advance to the next round in the cup. We have a few days for the match. We have the chance to prepare. Hopefully, we will pass Karacabey first. After that, we will start training for the Kasımpaşa match.” made his assessment.