Viktoria Plzen coach weighs in on Salim Fago’s Europa League debut

Viktoria Plzen head coach Martin Hysky has spoken on Salim Fago’s debut appearance in the UEFA Europa League against Panathinaikos, Afrik Foot reports.

The 23-year-old joined Plzen from Czech side NK Istra during the winter transfer window for €2.4m.

The Super Eagles star has made four appearances for his new side, scoring once before playing 53 minutes against the Greek side last night.

Fago didn’t have the best time out at the Olympiako Stadio Spyros Louis, and was replaced by Matej Vydra eight minutes after the start of the second half.

Viktoria Plzen coach on why Salim Fago was withdrawn early

Denis Visinsky broke the deadlock for Plzen in the 11th minute before a double from Andrews Tetteh turned the game on it’s head in favour of the hosts.

Tomas Ladra then came off the bench to score in the 80th minute to keep the tie open heading into the second leg at the Doosan Arena next week.

Speaking after the game, Martin Hysky revealed Fago struggled, but understood because it was the Nigerian’s first taste of European competition.

“It was a tough match for him, for the first time on the European stage against a very good opponent,” the 50-year-old said in quotes revealed by Infotbal.

“I expect him to play more balls; he’s lost a lot of things. But I would attribute it to nervousness,” the coach concluded.

Viktoria Plzen are currently fourth on the Czech 1.Liga, 11 points behind league leaders Slavia Prague.