Coach Gjoka after the elimination: I think we did well, a test for the future

Skënderbeu coach Ernest Gjoka described the cup clash against Tirana as a general test for the team, following the Korçë side’s elimination with goals in extra time. Although his team didn’t advance, Gjoka did not express frustration with the result.

“It’s disappointing that the moment came when, with a little more care, we might have passed this match. But regardless, this was a good test for us because the focus and concentration were exactly where we have set some objectives,” Gjoka said. He added that the second half of the match allowed the team more freedom and breathing space, while the first half was tough, as Tirana fielded several debutant players unknown to Skënderbeu.

The coach evaluated his team’s performance: “I think the team did well in some phases of the game. If we had been a bit more clinical in front of goal, perhaps we would have won today. But I congratulate Tirana and wish them success moving forward.”

Gjoka emphasized that the match was not a matter of ego, but an opportunity to test the squad, assess the players, and see where the team stands for the future. He noted that even if it hadn’t been a cup match, the team would have played a friendly, but this official game served as a much better test than any friendly.

“We couldn’t have found a better test than this one,” Gjoka concluded in an interview with RTSH after the match.

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