Auda coach Zaneti: 'Limits are only an illusion' after FCSB thrashing

Auda claimed a dominant home win in Conference League qualifying, defeating Romanian club FCSB 4:1 in Riga. Over two legs, the Latvian side triumphed 7:3.

Head coach Zaneti said he was delighted with the performance and stressed that everyone at the club trusts his philosophy. He noted that the team scored seven goals against the Bucharest side in two matches. Before the first leg, he had used opponents' comments to motivate his players, and he believes the dismissive remarks from FCSB representatives provided a small extra boost, although players should primarily motivate each other.

The Riga club opened the scoring in first-half stoppage time, while the visitors equalised in the 58th minute. Zaneti described that as the toughest moment of the match. He said he reminded his players that the plan was to score in both halves and asked whether they remembered his pre-match speech. He told them conceding was normal because they were facing a big club, and urged them to stick to the plan, as he knew the team had the capacity to score more. He also consulted his assistant, who said the players had responded well to the message.

Zaneti singled out two-goal scorer Barthelemy Diedhiou for his football IQ and compared teammate Tins Hrvoja to a soldier, noting that football needs such players, not only attackers. The coach emphasised that the team's ambitions should not end with beating FCSB. He said he is very ambitious and has told players that limits are only an illusion, adding that it is his duty to build their confidence but he cannot do it without the support of the players themselves.

In the next round, Auda will face Albanian club Dinamo Tirana. Zaneti acknowledged that his side will probably not be favourites, but he believes the underdog role can suit the team if they maintain their current attitude and keep pushing in difficult moments. He added that the opponent is strong, but this is also a big opportunity for him. The next match will take place on 6 August in Riga.