TNS v Panathinaikos: Five things we learnt as Craig Harrison and Rui Vitoria have their say

The New Saints fell to their fourth defeat in five Conference League games courtesy of a comprehensive 2-0 defeat at home to Greek giants Panathinaikos, but there was still a positive post-match interview from Craig Harrison, who believed that his side should be proud of how they played. 

Opposing manager Rui Vitoria was less positive about TNS, here are five key things we learnt from the Saints’ final European home game of the League Phase. 

A proud night for Welsh football 

TNS have put in yet another strong performance against a much bigger and better side and have come out with a defeat narrower than would have been expected based on the gap in quality. 

It is yet another game that Craig Harrison has taken plenty of positives out of, but most of all he spoke about the pride that he feels, and he believes others will be feeling. 

“We have had the rough end of the draw, but we have doubled down on that and put performances in that have made me very proud, the football club should be proud. Everyone in Welsh football should be proud.” 

Improved performance compared to last European outing 

Two weeks previously, TNS narrowly lost 1-0 to Swedish side Djurgarden. On paper this looks to be a better result than Panathinaikos, but Harrison explained why he believes the recent loss was despite an elevated performance. 

“ I certainly don’t think tonight we rolled over, we were disappointed against Djurgarden two weeks ago. We look back and we didn’t have a shot on target. 

“But tonight, their keeper has made arguably the best save of the night from the header from the corner. 

“It’s really pleasing tonight, apart from the result we near enough got it spot on.” 

No compliments spared for TNS from Rui Vitoria

When asked about how he thought The New Saints played, Panathinaikos manager Rui Vitoria chose to focus on his own side, saying that TNS’ lack of opportunities in the game came from their strong performance. 

“Of course it was not a difficult game for us. I think we controlled all the game; we did not give any chances for the other team to have opportunities. 

“It was more because our performance was good, we didn’t allow the other team to have opportunities. 

“We had a good game, we were better.” 

Connor Roberts immense again 

Goalkeeper Connor Roberts had yet another outstanding European performance, stopping everything that he possibly could despite conceding two goals. 

The story of his season in the continental campaign has been one of brilliance, having not yet conceded a goal that he would be considered at fault for and giving his side some remaining hope of qualifying. 

Taking about his keeper and his importance to the team, the TNS boss said: 

“He’s been outstanding all competition. We knew that we needed the best version of Connor to be able to be competitive in this competition. 

“He’s got to make claim for goalkeeper of the tournament as it stands.” 

Goal difference crucial in slim qualification hopes 

Although other results didn’t go TNS’ way tonight and the odds hugely stacked against them to qualify going into the final League Phase game away at Slovenian side Celje, a win could possibly get them over the line. 

This is largely due to them having a good goal difference despite only one win, Craig Harrison spoke about the importance of their goal difference in their hopes of qualifying. 

“There’s still a possibility of creeping in there with six points because we have a reasonably good goal difference and haven’t had a hammering by anybody, we are still in. 

“If we win the game, we have an opportunity to creep in there, it’s a good position. 

“It’s still all to play for.”