Riga coach Guļa on Europa Conference League hopes and Faroe Islands challenges
Ahead of Riga's UEFA Conference League play-off first leg against KÍ in Klaksvík, head coach Adrián Guľa discussed the team's readiness for the Faroese conditions and hopes of reaching the league phase. The return leg will be played in Riga.
Football club Riga arrived in the Faroe Islands ahead of the first leg of the UEFA Conference League play-off round, where they will face local champions KÍ in Klaksvík. Head coach Adrián Guľa addressed reporters before the match, sharing his thoughts on the opponent and the upcoming test.
Guľa noted this is his second visit to the Faroe Islands — four years ago he won twice there with Slovak club DAC, with current Riga player Andrejs Ciganiks scoring in one of those matches. The coach called it a good omen, though he stressed the Faroe Islands present specific challenges in pitch size and weather that the team must be ready for.
Experience should help
Guľa said Riga's experience playing on artificial pitches and in variable weather in the Latvian league gives the team an edge over clubs from countries less accustomed to such conditions. He expects a physical match with many duels and battles for second balls, since the Klaksvík pitch is only 62-64 metres wide instead of the standard 68. This also affects set pieces, with long throw-ins expected to play a bigger role alongside corners.
The coach pointed out that KÍ typically plays a defensive 5-4-1 formation in European competition and has not lost at this venue in five years. He recalled that KÍ eliminated Ferencváros three years ago, warning that the opponent should not be underestimated despite Riga's greater overall experience and average squad age.
Squad considerations
Discussing possible lineup options, Guľa praised Karls Vasoms, who can play multiple positions and has been getting increasing minutes recently. He said captain Deniss Černomordijs is also ready to help the team, whether starting or coming off the bench.
Guľa acknowledged that this season Riga enters the play-off round as favourites, which brings added responsibility, but described pressure as a privilege. He expressed hope the team is ready to take the next step and finally reach the UEFA Conference League league phase. Asked about rumours linking midfielder Rakí Avaní with a move to ETO, the coach said he had no information about any such interest.
