Every word Giovanni van Bronckhorst said to BT Sport after his side progressed to the semi-finals of the Europa League.
How’s your heart rate?
It’s ok now but it’s a big night and a big result for us. It was a game that was going up and down, 10 men, nine men, decisions, a goal disallowed, VAR, penalties, red cards so it was quite hectic but, in the end, you go through to the semis. It’s a big night for all of us.
How proud are you with your players?
I’m very proud. To reach the last four in Europe is a major achievement for everyone. We worked hard for it, in the groups stages but also in the games after and we knew a 1-0 loss in Braga wasn’t a bad result. I think we started the game really well and could’ve been 2-0 up, of course, the VAR ruled the goal out but we gave a lot of pressure to them in the first half. I think against 10 men and nine men we probably could’ve played better but I think the players were a bit tense and a bit nervous because you want to go through. But I’m really happy for everyone in the end that we succeeded.
Where did this European performance come from?
I think it starts with belief. To believe that you can go through and be in the last four, we know we’re going to play two games against Leipzig. It’s going to be a hectic schedule until the end but you don’t want it any different now so I’m really happy we could give the fans a game and a tie they were proud of and to proceed in Europe is huge.
How pleased were you with your two full-backs?
We wanted to have a little bit more pressure, more dynamic on the sides. I think last week we played with Calvin [Bassey] at left-back a little bit more defensively but with a 1-0 defeat you want your full-backs to come in the last phase of the pitch and get the crosses in and be dangerous. I think Borna did that excellently and, of course, Tav in Europe is a different Tav and today again he’s very vital for us. I’m really happy for Tav but I’m proud of the boys and I’m proud of this club.
You must be delighted with the way Kemar Roofe is leading the line and stepping up?
Yeah, of course. He got a lot of confidence with the hat-trick he scored last Sunday and he scored the important goal for us to get us through. I’m really happy for him with his performance and I think, team wise, we did everything to go through. It was a big night for us, it also means we needed a big performance and we did.
You’ve played in these games, how does it compare standing on the touchline?
It’s different because you’re now a coach and, for me, it’s a pleasure to see my players enjoying their game and to see the crowd happy and cheering the team on. For a coach, there is nothing better than to see your players perform well and to have success on the pitch.
Three games away from lifting the trophy, do you dare to dream yet?
Dreaming is good because that gives you desire and the push to go on. We know we’re going to play two times against Leipzig, again, we need two big performances and hopefully we go through. We’ll enjoy this night and then look ahead to the games.
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