As Riga FC prepares to host Beitar Jerusalem in the first leg of the UEFA Europa Conference League third qualifying round, both camps are striking a similar tone: respect, readiness, and a firm belief that the margins for error in Europe are razor-thin.
Riga FC head coach Adrian Gul’a, speaking at a detailed pre-match press conference in the Latvian capital, made it clear that his team is approaching the encounter with seriousness and quiet confidence. The Slovak coach emphasized focus, structure, and above all, the opportunity these games represent. “We need these games,” he said. “It’s a fantastic experience and it helps us improve faster. I’m happy and we will fight.”
According to Gul’a, preparations for the match have gone well, and the mood in the squad is positive. “I felt the spirit in training. The players are proactive, helping each other, and eager to learn. They’re not just sitting and waiting—they want to compete.”
Riga’s training was accompanied by tactical video sessions, including a fresh analysis of Beitar’s recent fixtures. Gul’a was quick to acknowledge the Israeli side’s strengths, particularly their disciplined possession game and pressing structure. “They play systematic football, very organized. They were second in their league for possession, which is not easy in Israel.”
But Riga won’t simply concede the ball and retreat. “We won’t just sit back. We’ll try to press, to be compact. We’ve shown before—like in the game against Porto—that we can fight even when the opponent dominates the ball.”
The Riga coach also discussed squad decisions, particularly at center-back where El Bashir, Baba Musah, and Černomordijs are all in contention. While some fans have questioned earlier defensive instability, Gul’a stood by his defenders. “We have three strong center-backs. Černomordijs brought stability, yes, but El Bashir and Baba are also valuable. I haven’t made a final decision, but I count on all of them.”
One subplot that added emotional flavor to the tie is Gul’a’s reunion with Dor Hugy, a Beitar winger whom he previously coached. “I forgot he’s there, honestly,” Gul’a said with a smile. “But he’s dangerous—especially from set-pieces. It’s important our players, and especially our goalkeepers, are prepared for that.”
Meanwhile, on the other side, Beitar Jerusalem head coach Barak Itzhaki echoed many of Gul’a’s sentiments in his own press conference. “This won’t be an easy game—no match in Europe is,” he said. “We’re playing both legs away from home, and the stadium here in Riga will be full. We’ll need to start much better than we did in our previous game.”
Itzhaki offered high praise for his opponents. “Riga are a very well-coached team with a clear way of playing. We analyzed their matches against Dila Gori and in the league. They’re already deep into their season, so they come in good form. We’ll need to be at our best to show our football.”
Beitar will be without two key players—Omer Atzili and Silva Kanu—due to illness and injury, respectively. But Itzhaki insisted his squad has the depth to cope. “These things happen in football. We have enough quality to show our abilities tomorrow.”
Reflecting on Beitar’s start to the season, Itzhaki acknowledged both progress and setbacks. “I’ve seen improvement from match to match. But we had a setback in Romania against Sutjeska, and we can’t let that happen again. In Europe, there’s no room for mistakes.”
Back in Riga, Gul’a emphasized the importance of mental sharpness as much as physical conditioning. “Against Tukums, we didn’t perform not because we lacked fitness, but because we weren’t mentally sharp. Tomorrow, we need to feel the game, stay disciplined, and be mentally fresh.”
With a possible playoff tie against Sparta Prague looming, both clubs are looking to make a statement. Gul’a isn’t letting the distraction get ahead of him—but admits the draw is a motivator. “Sparta is a big name. It brings energy. But first, we need to get through Beitar.”
The Latvian side enters this tie as underdogs—something Gul’a embraces.
“Beitar are the favorites, yes. But anything can happen on the pitch. We’ve beaten big teams before. Why not again?”
