After last week’s loss against Baník Ostrava, Sparta gave a strong performance to defeat FC Fastav Zlín at home. The opponents were not able to create many chances, only managing to score once in the 78th minute. Defender Semih Kaya helped to anchor a back line that did not concede many chances. His thoughts on the match:
What does it mean for the team to get this win?
“I think we played very well with Štetina. I think that’s why we won. We were compact. This is the important thing for us. We also need to win these three games if we want to go to the European Cup. We don’t have any other option. We need to win these three games. I believe in my teammates. I think if we play like this, compact, I believe we will win these three games.”
What did Costa bring to the back line when he came on?
“I think Costa is a little bit more defensive. This was good for us. Frydek played well, but he got injured, that’s why Costa came on. I think Costa played very well today. I’m also so happy for him because of his injury.”
Why do you think the team tends to give up goals in the second half?
“I think we didn’t start as compact in the second half, and also we stayed behind the ball. This is our big problem. I think maybe 5-6 weeks ago we played like this and we lost so many games. We can’t play like this if we want to win. We need to play the whole game.”
How was it defending such a large striker?
“When I saw this tall striker I thought in my mind, ‘How can I play with him?’ But when the game started, I thought, ‘Semih, you like playing against these players.’ And after I’m so happy. I like these kinds of fights with players. That’s why I’m happy.”
