We played well, but it was not that easy
Slavia qualified for the UEFA Europa League Quarter-finals for the second time in last 3 seasons. Simon Deli replaced David Zima who received his third yellow card in the home game and played 90 minutes at Ibrox.
“First of all, I must say thank you to God. We played very well, but it was not so easy. Rangers were a good opponent with great players. The first goal gave us more motivation and then, when we were playing eleven against nine, it was much easier to hold the ball. The more after the perfect second goal,” Deli said after the 2-0 away win to Rangers.
What was the key to the entire tie? “I think we were better in the finishing. We scored from the opportunities we had. Then we could focus on the defence. We kept another clean sheet and at the end, it made the difference.”
Slavia managed to keep clean sheet in both legs despite the Rangers attacking strength. “For me, they were all good players. Morelos is a great striker who knows how to ask for and keep the ball. But we were focused and at the end we have not conceded a goal.”
There were 7 yellow cards in the game and several hard tackles resulted in two red cards for Rangers in the second half. “I must say I understand. They were losing, then the two red cards came. It was emotional, especially late on, but the most important to us is to go to the next round.”
Is there any favourite club for Simon Deli in the Quarter-finals draw? “To be honest, I have no preference. I just want to go to the next round again. Even if we get another good opponent, we can win. This is the most important for us.”