Manager Delighted as Side Take “Important Step Forward” with Home Win
The manager expressed his delight after watching his team claim a deserved victory, describing the performance as “a big step forward” in their development.
“It wasn’t perfect, but I really enjoyed how we played,” he said. “That first win is always crucial for building confidence. Compared to Thursday, when we were disappointed with our intensity, this was a real improvement. It’s only a small step in our journey, but an important one.”
He praised the work rate and attitude of his players, highlighting visible individual progress across the pitch.
Tactical Tweaks Pay Off
The coach downplayed the importance of rigid formations, insisting his focus lies in how the team plays rather than how they line up.
“The shape is just a tool — it’s about control and movement,” he explained. “We knew the opponent would go direct and use long balls, so I wanted to make things simple for my players. With three attacking midfielders and one holding player, we looked to move the ball quickly and attack the back line. That’s how I want us to play — fast, forward-thinking football.”
He pointed to several promising passages of play, particularly midway through the second half, where his side’s quick passing through the middle carved open the opposition.
“Control, Pressure, and Bravery”
At half-time, the message to the players was clear: stay on the front foot.
“We talked about which spaces to attack,” he said. “In the second half, most of the action was in the opponent’s half — and that was fantastic to see. The disallowed fourth goal showed our mentality: we lost the ball, but immediately counter-pressed to win it back. That’s the kind of spirit I want — teammates helping each other and being brave in duels.”
Fans, Confidence, and the Road Ahead
The manager also reserved special praise for the fans, whose support he called “a huge boost” for the players.
“I told the team to really enjoy this moment. The last few weeks haven’t been easy, but we want to win games, play attractive football, and do it together with our supporters,” he said. “It’s only one step, but a positive one. On Monday we’ll analyse the game and focus on the next challenge — taking another step forward on Wednesday.”
With upcoming matches against Hibernian and Celtic, he stressed the importance of momentum.
“Football has a short memory,” he added. “One win can change a lot. We need to keep that mindset — today was the first step, Wednesday has to be the next.”
Praise for Danilo and Chermiti
He was also pleased to see both his strikers get on the scoresheet.
“Danilo started, scored, and gave us what we needed. Then Chermiti came on and took his chance too,” he said. “It’s an important step for him — not a big one yet, but good for his confidence. You could see players growing in belief, wanting the ball, working hard both with and without it. That’s the mentality we need.”
On Training Time and Quick Decisions
Limited time on the training pitch remains a challenge, but the manager refuses to use it as an excuse.
“We’re trying to fit a lot of ideas into short sessions, and I’m seeing progress,” he noted. “There are still things to improve, but today we should just enjoy the win. I’m not afraid to make bold calls if I think it helps the team — sometimes that means making quick decisions, even at half-time.”
Butland’s Response “Fantastic to See”
The boss also praised goalkeeper Jack Butland for the way he bounced back after an earlier mistake.
“Jack’s not just a top keeper — he’s a leader in the dressing room,” he said. “Mistakes happen, but his reaction was excellent. We spoke openly as a group after Thursday, and today’s performance showed real progress. It was fantastic to see. Now, the focus is on the next one.”
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