Ruben: The Belief That Victory Was Within Reach

Ruben: The Belief That Victory Was Within Reach
Ruben: The Belief That Victory Was Within Reach

At half-time, did you believe your team could stage a comeback, especially considering the challenges they’ve faced?

“I had that belief because, watching the last moments of the first half, it was clear they were struggling to clear the ball from their own box. You could see their fatigue in their movements. We discuss the importance of our pace and intensity; it’s crucial to adapt to the Premier League’s demands. We stepped up our game. I had a sense, and the team shared that feeling, that if we managed to score one goal, the momentum would shift completely. I also appreciated how we controlled the match while we had possession, going ahead in the scoreline but still seeking to net more goals and dominate their half.”

What factors contributed to the lack of intensity in the first half?

“There are various reasons for that. We could have improved our ball tempo and needed to recognize our own capabilities. It’s those little details that made a difference. Once we executed one or two plays effectively, our rhythm improved, enhancing both our mental and physical performance.”

We’ve noticed an increase in set-piece goals recently. Have you been placing more emphasis on them in training?

“Absolutely, we’ve had more time to refine our tactics. We’re putting in a lot of work and making significant strides in our understanding of these situations. In England, you become accustomed to learning from the Premier League and the techniques of other teams, which helps us to innovate and create scoring opportunities from set pieces!”