Peter Stöger: We couldn't have advanced otherwise

– Most importantly, you've advanced.
– Exactly. We're incredibly proud of that – Ferencváros head coach Peter Stöger said at the post-match press conference. – When evaluating the match, I can say that what we had expected in advance happened. We had to fight a very strong opponent, and I can't deny that luck was on our side at times, but we finally advanced and we can prepare for the next match.

– The result is the most important, and success justifies the strategy. Yet, let me ask the question: did you not find Ferencváros' game too defensive?
– When determining the tactics, the strength of the opponent's game played a decisive role. I cannot stress enough what a good team we had to look forward to, which last season showed against Arsenal what an outstanding performance they can do at international level. We were expecting deep runs, which is why we thought this system was expedient, and in hindsight, I have to say we couldn't have advanced otherwise. Last season, Slavia got defeated only once. I think we stood our ground in that perception.

– Are you completely satisfied? Don't you feel like you're missing something?
– I wouldn't say I'm completely satisfied. I wanted us to execute a lot more dangerous counterattacks.

– What did you ask from the players during the break?
– First of all, we had to find a way to replace Samy Mmaee because of his injury. I'm happy to say that Adnan Kovačević has pitched in well from the bench; his performance is one of the positives of this rematch. I would‘ve liked to possess the ball, more, and I asked for a cleaner, more accurate game. However, it was almost impossible to attack more because Slavia kept us under pressure. I have to add that I'm a fan of the Czech champion's football. They are extremely strong and very technical players, so I think it's a huge thing to advance against a team of this quality. We can say that we have eliminated the favorite, it can be stated that not the prospective winner advanced out of the two.

– You took over Ferencváros in the summer. What did the two matches against the Czechs give you?
– Mostly what I knew before. This team is capable of performing well against strong opponents at European level as well, reaching the Champions League group stages last year. We showed what we can do with tactical, willful, and disciplined game, and we reached the group stage this year as well. We don't know which one we'll reach yet, but we're moving forward.

– Let's look ahead for a moment. What can be expected in the next round?
– I'm sure that we're moving forward; it's not going to get any easier. In the playoffs, there's only going to be great teams with lots of experience. We are very happy and proud of this result, but from Wednesday, we are preparing for the next tasks as we want to be successful not only in the Champions League qualifier, but also in the Hungarian League (NB I).

Translated by Vanda Orosz.