Latvia head coach Paolo Nicolato described his side’s performance in the 1-2 defeat to Montenegro as one of their best in recent years, insisting that the result did not reflect what he saw from his team at Skonto Stadium.
Latvia suffered their second defeat of the UEFA Nations League campaign despite producing a considerably improved display compared to their opening matches against Armenia and Cyprus. Roberts Uldriķis struck the woodwork twice, while substitute Markuss Strods scored his first senior international goal late on, but a Vasilije Adžic brace proved enough for Montenegro to secure all three points.
“If there is a right way to lose, I think this is the right way,” Nicolato said after the match. “We did everything possible for us. Good quality, good intensity, 14 shots, one post, one crossbar. We were a little bit unlucky, but we also have to recognise the quality of their players.”
Nicolato was particularly pleased with Latvia’s ability to control possession and play with greater confidence. Taking into account the demanding international window and the number of new players introduced into the squad, the Italian described it as one of Latvia’s best performances of the past three years.
He also singled out the midfield for praise, highlighting its contribution both in and out of possession.
“I think we played very well until the second goal. We conceded it in a moment when we had complete control of the match,” Nicolato explained. “In terms of the quality of our play, I think we played much better than the opponent.”
The head coach was less interested in discussing the defensive mistakes which contributed to Montenegro’s goals. When asked about the opening goal, which arrived after only three minutes, Nicolato said he would need to watch the situation again and instead wanted to focus on the overall performance.
“We played the match that we wanted to play and the football that we wanted to play. That is the most important thing for me. If we have to lose, we have to lose in our way.
“There was everything in this match – character, strategy and quality. I don’t want to speak about the episodes because I want to highlight the performance.”
Latvia briefly lost momentum after Montenegro doubled their advantage in the 56th minute, but Nicolato was encouraged by the response. His side eventually pulled one back through Strods in the 82nd minute before putting the visitors under considerable pressure in search of an equaliser.
Nicolato believes the difference ultimately came in the final third, where Montenegro possessed greater individual quality.
“The opponent, in the last third when you have to score a goal, has a little bit different quality. We cannot do anything about this,” he said. “But until the second goal, we played very well, with the perfect attitude and strategy, and technically we were also very good.”
The Italian was also encouraged by the performances of the less experienced members of his squad. Oskars Vientiess and Danila Patijčuks were handed their first senior international starts, while Kristers Čudars came off the bench to make his Latvia debut. Denniss Cirkins, who made his international debut earlier in the window, also completed his third appearance for the national team.
For Nicolato, increasing the number of players capable of competing at international level has been one of the most important developments of the window.
“We need more players. We need fresh air, younger players with enthusiasm, with this kind of attitude and more arrogance,” he said. “I have the feeling that we are taking something important for the future. I have the feeling that something is happening.”
Nicolato also addressed why Latvia finally showed more of the attacking football he wants after struggling to create opportunities in the opening two matches.
“We need to get experience and we need to accept that. Today we played very well, but we are not sure that in the next match we will play in the same way because football is not always predictable.
“I told them: ‘Guys, we need to play our football.’ This is why you are here and why I choose you. You are technical players, so we need to play technical football.”
Strods late strike was Latvia’s first goal of the Nations League campaign after the team had been denied by the woodwork on several occasions across the opening three matches. Nicolato was particularly pleased to see one of his young players rewarded.
“I’m very happy when the players receive this kind of satisfaction when I feel they deserve it,” he said. “I’m very happy for them because they deserved more than this.”
There was also an injury concern surrounding Roberts Savaļnieks, who was forced off in the 28th minute after taking a blow to his left leg. Nicolato initially said he had not yet spoken with the medical staff and therefore could not provide a clear update. Latvian Football Federation press secretary Iļja Poļakovs then clarified during the press conference that he had spoken directly with Savaļnieks and that the problem was not considered serious.
Latvia will nevertheless be forced into changes for their final match of the window. Captain Antonijs Černomordijs is suspended after collecting his second yellow card of the campaign, while Cirkins’ involvement with the national team was limited to the first three matches of the window under a prior agreement with his club.
Nicolato believes the absences could provide another opportunity to test the depth he has been trying to build.
“It will not be easy, but we will put 11 players on the pitch and they have to be ready. Probably this is also an opportunity for some players who haven’t played until now.
“Another big goal that we achieved in this camp is that now we know we have more players who can play. I’m very happy about this because we need more players.”
Despite collecting just one point from their opening three Nations League matches, Nicolato remained convinced that the Montenegro performance represented an important step in the development of his team.
“The process is not something we are talking about anymore, but I have the feeling that something is happening,” he concluded. “With the help of all the people around the team, I think we can build something better for the future.”
Latvia will conclude the international window on Monday when they travel to face Cyprus.
