Our U18 team suffered a two-goal defeat in Jucu, on Universitatea Cluj’s home ground. Below is head coach Goran Kopunovic’s analysis of the match.

Our U18 team suffered a two-goal defeat in Jucu, on Universitatea Cluj’s home ground. Below is head coach Goran Kopunovic’s analysis of the match:

“I still believe that the play-off is a very strong competition where we face very tough opponents. Universitatea Cluj had individually better players, including four or five who regularly play in the first division. In attack, the Cluj team was more decisive and stronger, creating two-against-one situations which they managed to win. We conceded two goals in the first half, but I would say our play improved in the second half. We also earned a penalty, which unfortunately we failed to convert, but I think this result is realistic at this point. I’m satisfied with my players’ attitude — we move forward and keep working. In two weeks we’ll travel to Arad to face UTA, another strong opponent, but there’s still a long way to go in the season. The winter break and preparation period are coming, and I’m sure things will look different in the spring.”

R. A.