Disappointing result - Simon

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New Radiant lost to Jayapura

Male’, MALDIVES – New Radiant’s coach Simon McMenemy has said that the result in today’s AFC Cup match against Indonesia’s Persipura Jayapura was very disappointing.

Speaking at the post match press conference Simon said that the result was disappointing but the performance of the team was a big step forward.

“The result is disappointing but the performance was a big step forward from we were when we played in Indonesia.”

“What pleased me today was the work rate of the players and they kept playing from right to the end very hard. You know it is really difficult to play against the teams who are in the middle of their season.”

“I am very proud of the boys and they work very hard today.”

“Now it will be very difficult for us to qualify for the second round. We have to depend on other teams results. But I think still there is a mathematical possibility to qualify for the second round. And we will keep on playing.”

Simon also reiterated about the importance of a killer striker to the team.

“The main problem is we couldn’t replace Ashfaq and if we lose a player like him it will be very difficult to replace such a player.”

When asked about the supporter’s expectation Simon said that the expectations are always high but they need to assess the situation of the club.

“Expectations are always high and no one wants to lose their team and this is why we love football. But we have to assess what has happened to the team during the last couple of months.

On the other hand, Persipura Jayapura’s coach Jacksen said that they were very happy with the result against New Radiant.

“We are very happy with the result because we know how strong New Radiant is and they put a lot of pressure on us especially with the speed. But like I said yesterday we prepared very well for this game.”

“We spent 10 days in Jakarta to prepare for this match because we know this match can decide everything for us in the competition. So, now we are in the second round and we will relax for two days and prepare for the match against Churchill Brothers.”

When asked about the miss chances they got, he said he doesn’t care about it when they won the match.

“For me if we won by half goal or one goal doesn’t matter. The important thing in this game was three points. And I am very happy for the guys for their performance this afternoon.”

Persipura Jayapura is on the top of the table with 10 points from four games and Churchill Brothers are on second with 6 points.