This game opened one new page for us, asserts Lebanon head coach Aleksandar Ilić

Lebanon defeated India by a goal

Lebanon defeated India in the 49th King's Cup in a closely knit game that saw the Blue Tigers bow out by a one goal deficit. The Cedars also took their revenge on India, who had previously defeated Lebanon twice in the past few months.

After the game, Lebanon head coach Aleksander Illic and man of the match Kaseem El Zein spoke to the media. Here are the excerpts from the conversation.

Thoughts on the game 

After a valiant display from his boys that saw them get the bronze medal, Aleksander shared his thoughts on the tie, and said “It was a very difficult match for us because we had some pressure to do better than in the first game.  We prepared really hard ourselves to finish this game in a better way.  I think we proved that we have qualities and performance to think positively for our future.”

“This game opened one new page for us and I think that with this team we can do more work,  we can trust more” he added.

Goalscorer Kaseem El Zein also added to his coach’s words, and said, “For us it was a tough game. We came to this game to win and this is what we did.  We did, I think, a very good job.  We tried our best, and I want to thank all my teammates, the staff for this game.  We came to win and we did this.  We need this win to look forward to our next games in the qualification.”

“I feel very good.  We did a very good job.  This comes because all the team gave more than 100 percent. I want to thank my teammates first. I want to thank my fans for supporting me.” he added.

https://youtu.be/0ZCgakPZd30

Thoughts on the King’s Cup

Aleksander heaped high praises for the King’s Cup, and appreciated for its top notch management.

“I think that the organisation was completely good,  accommodation as well.  We had a good field for preparing ourselves. Also, in the game against Thailand we really enjoyed it. The atmosphere was nice,  everybody followed football and I think I got a nice feeling and great experience.” he said.

On Thailand’s National team

This is what Aleksander had to say when asked about the Thailand National team, and their progress and performance.

“I think that you are doing well,  you made big progress if you compare yourself with the past.  I think you invest a lot in your league and to bring quality and this is the good way.” he said.

“I think by this you need to expect a better future.  I think that the Thailand national team has developed better than in the past.  Especially in the football league.  Thailand's national team is developing in the right way and we expect a better future.” he added.