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Dundalk manager Filippo Giovagnoli has set his sights on the Europa League play-offs after marking his European debut with a win in Andorra.
An early attack by David McMillan saw the Lilywhites beat Inter Club d’Escalades at the Estadi Communal to set a third Europa League qualifying date with Sheriff Tiraspol in Moldova next Thursday.
While that will be a step up in the class for the SSE Airtricity League champions, the Italian, who succeeded Vinny Perth as interim head coach last month, feels his team may rise to the occasion to continue. your European trip beyond the next round.
“They are going to be a better team than the Andorrans so it will be a different challenge,” said the 49-year-old.
“We will have to prepare for the game very well, but we have time this week so I am looking forward to it.
“Our game plan will not change, but sometimes if the other team is better it is easier to play good football because you face someone who wants to play like you.”
“I don’t know if that’s the case with Sheriff, we’ll have to verify that, but playing with someone better helps you play better. If you’re playing against a team with a lot of coverage that just wants to fight back then it’s more Complicated.
“It’s a final now, so we’re going to win. It’s not good enough to act. We’re going to win,” he said.
Giovagnoli criticized the performance of Belarusian referee Viktor Shimusik, who handed out 10 yellows and one red on the night. He said if it weren’t for the 58th minute sending off from center midfield Andy Boyle, his team would have won more comfortably.
“I think we were unlucky with some of the referee’s decisions and that created some problems for us, but the game was under control almost from the beginning.
“I was a little disappointed that we didn’t finish all the opportunities we had, but I’m happy with the performance.
“Of course he was not happy with the red card. The referee did not handle the game well.
“The Andorrans were very smart to provoke us and play a little dirty. They know the game and they have experience. These are players who play internationally, so they tried to use everything outside of football to create a kind of strange situation and in fact they did. they were very good at it.
“They got what they wanted by getting a man thrown out and the umpires weren’t sharp to be honest and that created problems.”
While Gary Rogers was rarely tested, Giovagnoli admitted he was concerned about the outcome until the final whistle due to the way the game was being refereed.
“We control the game even with 10 players. Of course, when they bring the central Lima, who is big and strong, is dangerous because with a long ball or something you never know and he also knows how to hit the ground.
“Of course, with the referee we were concerned about any situation within the area. I just had to say don’t touch them, but luckily they didn’t cause us too much trouble in the end.”
The 49-year-old said he was satisfied with the overall performance and his start at Dundalk, where he has now won his first three games in charge.
“The way we controlled the game was good,” he said.
“We show different types of movements between our 8 and our 10, which is something we are working on with the players. There were a lot of good things in the back as well in preparation and that’s the way we want to play. Now we have Than go over the details and do it even better next time.
“It was a great start. The players have responded very well and are very professional. We are looking forward to continuing to work with them.
“Giuseppe (Rossi) and I are very happy to be in Ireland and with Dundalk. We would love to extend our time here and create something special with this club and I hope we can do it together.
“We are missing the fans right now, but I hope they are happy with the victory.”
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