RFS head coach Viktors Morozs has backed his team to overturn their 1-0 first-leg deficit against Hamrun Spartans when the Maltese side visit Riga for tonight’s Conference League play-off second leg, despite the club’s concerning run of five consecutive defeats in European competition.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Morozs acknowledged the unusual circumstances his side faced in Malta but remained bullish about their chances of reaching the group stage.
“Unfortunately, in the first leg we didn’t manage to get the result we wanted,” he said. “The circumstances were unusual and it wasn’t possible to play our football. But this week has been very productive. We’ve had rest, we’ve worked well, and now the slogan is simple: do everything correctly, the way we know how to play. At home, with our fans, we want to show our style and reach the group stage.”
Defender Roberts Savaļnieks struck a similar note, warning that past European runs count for little if the team cannot deliver on the night.
“Experience might help in some small moments, but the past doesn’t play tomorrow,” he stressed. “What matters is how we perform ourselves. We have to play our best football to get the result.”
Lessons from Malta
Both coach and player admitted frustration at the narrow first-leg defeat, played on what Savaļnieks described as a difficult pitch.
“The feeling was that the job wasn’t finished,” the right-back reflected. “It was a tough game, tough conditions, and of course we wanted a better result. But tomorrow we have the chance to put it right.”
RFS come into the second leg on the back of five straight defeats in European competition – something Savaļnieks admitted was unusual for the Latvian champions.
“It’s not a situation we are used to,” he said. “I can’t even remember if we’ve ever lost five in a row. It’s not pleasant, but tomorrow is the moment to break that run.”
Morozs highlighted Hamrun’s organisation and aggressive approach as the main dangers.
“They have a good structure, they press well, and they are dangerous on the counter,” he said. “In Malta we conceded from one of our mistakes and they punished us. We know we must improve if we want to play better football.”
The coach also underlined the importance of using striker Darko Lemajić’s aerial threat.
“Darko is very dangerous in the box. It would be foolish not to use that. When he is on the pitch, we have to cross more because that is his strength,” Morozs explained.
Full house in Riga
With a sold-out game in the Latvian capital, Morozs believes home support can help tilt the tie.
“Playing at home is always more enjoyable, and our European nights bring a full stadium,” he said. “We are confident that if we do everything right, we’ll be close to the result we want.”
Savaļnieks agreed, noting:
“At home we always feel stronger – in Europe and in the league. The pitch, the atmosphere, the fans – it gives us a big advantage.”
RFS will need to make that advantage count if they are to overturn Hamrun’s lead and secure a second consecutive appearance in the group stage of European competition.
