City must be more ruthless says Doncic Published on: 17-07-2018

Valletta coach Danilo Doncic has called on his players to rediscover their scoring touch if they are to progress to the second qualifying round of the Champions League at the expense of Albanian side Kukes this evening (kick-off: 6pm).

A goalless draw in last week’s opening first leg in Shkoder has boosted Valletta’s chances of reaching the next round of the UEFA elite competition but coach Danilo Doncic says that they need to put up a ruthless display if they are to set up a tie against either Slovenia’s Ljubljana or Qarabag, of Azerbaijan.

“Our performance in the first leg was very positive but we have nothing to show for that,” Doncic told the Times of Malta.

“If you asked me if I was happy with the 0-0 draw I would say no. Certainly, I would have preferred a 1-1 draw or a win as if Kukes score in the second leg we would have to get two goals and that is not easy given that we are playing against a very good team.

“The team performed really well last week but despite creating a lot of chances we simply could not put the ball into the net.

“Now we have another chance to put that right and I hope we can produce a repeat performance and this time we win the match to secure qualification which would be very important for the club.”

During last week’s first leg, Valletta looked in control for most of the match as their aggressive approach created a lot of problems to the Kukes defence.

“My philosophy since I took charge here in Valletta has always been the same… to press our opponents high up the pitch and try and play attacking football,” Doncic said.

“I’m very pleased that my football philosophy has also been very effective in European club competition and we’re committed to play this way against whoever we play against.

“We will come out for the second leg determined to play attacking football and it will be crucial that we take the chances that come our way so we can get the win needed that will put us in the next round.”

Doncic has been boosted by the news that new signing Bogdan Gavrila, the Romanian winger, has made significant progress in his recovery from injury and is expected to be part of the 18-man squad for the match.

Source - Times of Malta