“We are excited about the atmosphere”

The Dutchmen are the favourites of the Thursday clash. If Utrecht’s players score a goal, Lech will have to beat their defensive line twice if they want to advance to the play-offs. “Of course, I would like to have won 1:0. However, a goalless draw is a good score too. Whenever you play on the international arena, the goals scored away count the most and we managed not to concede one at home. The last match taught us a lot,” emphasised Utrecht’s coach.

However, the Dutchmen are still preparing for the season and their league doesn’t kick off until August 11th. Utrecht will face ADO Den Haag in their first league match. “A week ago we were still in the early phase of the pre-season and we didn’t play well. However, we had the time to work on some of the things. The last week was fruitful for us, which gives us a better start ahead of the second leg,” explained ten Hag.

The Dutch coach believes that the past week was crucial in the context of the Thursday clash. “To be honest, a week ago we didn’t really know what to expect from Lech. We focused on the defensive not to concede a goal at home. We learned our lesson, analysed the match as well as our rival. We now know Lech’s weaknesses and we might be able to use them to win. I believe we have a chance,” said the Dutchman.

Over 30 thousand people will watch the Thursday match from the stands. However, ten Hag believes it doesn’t give Lech an advantage. “We too have brilliant fans and for my boys a match in front of a full stadium isn’t anything unfamiliar. We have players who used to play in front of such a crowd every week, some of them even competed on World Cups,” said the coach. “Nonetheless, we are excited about the atmosphere here, in Poznan,” added ten Hag.