FC Utrecht claimed victory in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League second-round tie against Sheriff Tiraspol 3-1 in Nisporeni, placing them in a strong position for the return leg in Utrecht next week.
Sheriff, who have already played five matches in the Moldovan Super Liga, started stronger and took the lead from a long throw-in—something Jans mentioned they had prepared for. "We practiced for that, but they altered their strategy," Jans remarked to RTV Utrecht regarding the goal they allowed.
"Prior to that, there was also an unmarked player in the five-metre area during a corner kick. That was handled well, but this one wasn't."
Despite conceding the goal, Jans was pleased with his team's overall performance. "Especially since they have been in competition for five weeks, while we have only been training for five weeks. You couldn't really notice that difference today."
Coaches often downplay their team's performances in the days following a match, but Jans will not do that. "A coach is there to temper the excitement, but I won't be doing that this evening!
"I am confident we will wrap it up next week. I don't want to claim I'm proud yet, but I am definitely satisfied."
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