After the Harbour team suffered their first defeat of the season, 1-2 against Changchun Yatai, coach Leko said straight after the match that his team failed to capitalize on more scoring opportunities: "It was a challenging match, both sides fought hard for a high position in the table, and it's definitely painful to suffer a defeat at the end of the game. We started the game on the front foot and were aware that our opponents had a good attacking and defensive set-up. Although we were relatively in control of the game, we didn't create too many scoring chances. Yatai's fast counterattacks did very well, creating two or three scoring chances in a row. The result is painful, but the game of soccer continues. The players have given their best today, and I would like to congratulate our opponent, Yatai. As for us, we will go back to summarize and analyze and keep a positive attitude, because three days later, another new game is coming."
Ateneo scored two goals in a row to complete the turnaround after replacing Nei Gang, even the players who scored and assisted came from the same lineup. In Leko's opinion, this exposed the weakness of the Harbor team in the defensive end: "I think we lack a tough intensity in the defensive end. The first goal was conceded in a one-on-one situation where the striker stopped the ball with his chest, which showed that we were not tight enough on our man. The second goal was a counter-attacking opportunity, where we should have gotten closer to the ball carrier but didn't do so well. On the defensive end, we didn't show the quality and confidence that we should have, which allowed strong players from the opposition to put us under pressure."
Since the restart of the league, Harbour has scored only 3 goals in 4 matches, and the lack of firepower at the attacking end has become a major problem. In response to this problem, Leko admitted that only with continuous efforts, it is possible to improve the status quo: "We have been working hard to improve the status quo, and in soccer, offense, defense, conversion moments and physical performance are all very important. We are striving to do our best in our daily training, and I believe that with continued efforts, the results that should come will come."
