In their last two matches, UTA Arad notched two narrow victories, both by a score of 1-0, against CFR Cluj and FC Argeș. The decisive goal in the latest match against Mioveni was scored by Marius Coman in the 17th minute, allowing the team to temporarily secure a playoff position.
After the match, coach Adrian Mihalcea analyzed the events on the field, emphasizing how small tactical details made a significant impact. He voiced his concerns regarding the heavy schedule his team faces, including a midweek game in the Romanian Cup and the long journey back to Arad, complicating preparations for future matches.
Adi Mihalcea: “The Journey Will Exhaust Us”
Mihalcea remarked, “It was a hard-fought victory; we suffered at times, especially in the second half. Towards the end, they posed real problems for us. We managed to hold onto the result. These three points are crucial, and we’ve secured two victories in a row, keeping us in a good position.
Before we get home, it takes 8 hours by bus. Fatigue is setting in, and it was evident at the end of the match. The same players will compete in the Cup, and I’m unsure if we can reach the same level again; it’s tough. No matter how much we want to enjoy this victory, the journey will exhaust us.
We’ll have two days without training, just recovery. I don’t know how we’ll manage the situation; we can’t afford any more trips. Small details made the difference today; we successfully blocked their center and directed them to the flanks, aware they would attempt crosses. We were very precise during set pieces,” Mihalcea stated after the match against Mioveni.
UTA Arad will play on Tuesday, October 27, at 19:00 in the Romanian Cup against FC Botoșani. Following that, they will head to the capital for a match against Dinamo on Sunday. Before the national teams’ break, UTA will host Petrolul Ploiești on Friday, November 6, at 17:30.
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