Ratchaburi 1-3 Chonburi
5th July, 2014
My post match interview with Ratchaburi coach, Ricardo Rodriguez.
Q - How did you view Saturday's match?
It was a match that was decided by the small details.
Q - How did you think your team played?
We made mistakes at very important moments, like on forty four minutes (when Chonburi went in front) and three minutes after we had scored (when Chonburi regained the lead). We did not play well in these key moments of the match.
Q - How did you think Chonburi played?
They took advantage of our mistakes. Also they created some chances when we took risks in order to try and win the match.
Q - What do you think our strong points are?
Chonburi have very important offensive players that can win a match by themselves.
Q - And our weaknesses?
I cannot tell you the weaknesses because you will tell the coach (laughs).
Q - Which Chonburi players impressed you and why?
I know the Chonburi players very well because it was the third match that we’ve played against them. I analyse all players from the opposition team and show the most important points to my players. I want them to know everything about the player or players that they might face in individual situations during the game. Chonburi have very good players.
Q - Do you think the scoreline reflected the game?
Maybe 2-2 would have been a better reflection but in football you have to earn things and sometimes you don’t get what you deserve.
Q - What were the main differences between Saturday's match and the League Cup tie a few weeks ago?
The return of important players like Thiago Cunha, among others. I feel that Chonburi are now stronger than several weeks ago but we have the confidence to win the next match. I believe in my players so much.
Q - The referee came in for a lot of criticism from the home fans, do you think this was deserved?
A key moment of the match was when he stopped a counterattack, when we had an advantage of 4 vs 2. This was when the score was still 1-1. One minute later we conceded the second goal from a free kick that might have not have been awarded.
Q - What was the feeling in the dressing room after the match?
The players were frustrated because we lost three very important points against a good team. We could have cut the gap at the top of the table. Now the distance to 4th position is 9 points and our goal was to reduce it to 3 points.
Q - What did you say to your players after the match?
That we lost the game ourselves. Now we have to learn by our mistakes and focus on the FA Cup.
Q - Do you think Saturday's result will have any influence on Wednesday's match?
I hope that it will be different. It is another competition where we have a lot of hope to do something great this season.
Q - How will you prepare for Wednesday's FA Cup tie?
Like a normal game. Now we do not have time to train because we are playing every 3-4 days. We will work on correcting some details but our players know our game plan perfectly.
Q - How will you lift your players for the match on Wednesday?
They have a very high motivation for this match. We do not have time to think about the past and we have to get up again as soon as possible. The psychological aspect is something that is very important for me and now it is not a question of giving a motivational speech to the players, because that is something that as a coach, I try to work on each day. Improving the self confidence or mental strength of the team is something that we have worked on from the beginning of the season. It is like technical or tactical exercises, you have to work on them each day.
Q - What are you expecting from Wednesday's match?
We know that it will be tough match but we are convinced that with the right motivation, we can win. I think will be a very good match, with two teams that like to play good football.
Q - Chonburi v Ratchaburi games always seem to produce goals and excitement, why do you think this is?
Because both teams always look to score goals instead of trying to stop them. Both teams have interesting offensive players who can change the score very easily because they have quality.
Q - And will we see the same on Wednesday?
The FA Cup is a knock-out competition. I can’t see it being anything less than entertaining.
Q - What are your expectations for the rest of the season?
We are in the Toyota League Cup semi final and in 7th position in Thai Premier League. Our dream is to win a title this year and finish among the best teams of Thai Premier League. Our goals are very clear and we will fight with all of our strength in order to achieve them this season. I try to transmit my ambition to the players all the time.
Q - What are your long term ambitions for Ratchaburi FC?
Win titles. We want to win titles as soon as possible and we dream about playing Asian Champions League football. The FA Cup is our passport for that.
Q - Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Good luck and I hope that the supporters will watch a very good football match next Wednesday.
Q - Many thanks for answering my questions, Ricardo. Good luck for the rest of the season. After Wednesday, of course!
Thanks a lot. Nice to meet you. Good luck for Chonburi after the FA Cup match (laughs). Take care.
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