Ronan Kpakio looks ahead to Wales U17 clash with Austria
CITY's RONAN KPAKIO IS CONFIDENT WALES CAN BOUNCE BACK AFTER DEFEAT TO DENMARK IN THEIR UEFA EUROPEAN UNDER-17 CHAMPIONSHIP OPENER.
After a difficult test against Denmark, Wales U17s face Austria this evening, where they will be looking to claim their first win of the tournament.
Ahead of clash, we caught up with Kpakio, who also reflected on his side's opening game.
“It was a bit more of a defensive game for us and I think that we were very good and very disciplined,” Ronan began. “That late goal in the first half could have killed us, but we still played the same way and we showed some character at half time to help us to continue to play that way.
“We tried sticking to our game plan and I think as a team we did really well to stick together and keep pushing for a goal. Now, it is important to reflect on that game and then focus on Austria, where we can hopefully get three points.”
The Bluebirds right-sided player stated some of the positives his side can take from the previous game and how they can take these into the Austria fixture.
Ronan continued: “Those little moments in games like the chances we had against Denmark can really spark the team, which helps us play better. I think it’s good going forward, those moments we get in games we can use them to help us and give us that little bit of energy to go on and win games.
“We all make mistakes and I think it’s important that we try to iron them out so we can look forward. Obviously, some mistakes will be costly but it’s important we try to reflect on them and then hopefully we don’t make them mistakes again.”
With games being played in quick succession, Kpakio reflected on how the high amount of games at the end of the season for Cardiff City U18s and U21s has helped him with quick turnarounds in the tournament.
Ronan concluded: “The end of last season has really helped me deal with the quick turnarounds, I think it’s helpful for me at this point in my career. I’m looking forward to playing this next game and I’m really glad I’m able to be in this position.
“I think it’s really important that we recover really well because Austria will be a really tough game and we’re looking forward to training and hopefully we can do well in the Austria game.
“Everyone’s not too happy about the Denmark game, but we still have a lot of confidence because we know we can play well if we do the right things and use our game plan well.
“We’re all very confident and we’re all looking forward to this Austria game because this is a game that could determine if we go through to the quarter-finals or get knocked out.”