Stars React To Euro Exit

By Mark Heys
February 24 2006

Sammy Lee, Stelios Giannakopoulos, Tal-Ben Haim and Kevin Nolan all told the official website bwfc.co.uk about their UEFA Cup disappointment.

Assistant manager Lee had done most of the pre-match preparations due to the fact that manager Sam Allardyce was laid low with a virus and he said that this season's UEFA Cup campaign was the start of many.

The former Liverpool midfielder beleives the goal conceded just before half time changed the complex of the game and allowed Marseille to be back in the tie.

"The lads are dejected, They have given a great account of themselves. It's very disappointing as we were in a winning position but to lose a goal so deep in stoppage time changed the complex of the game."

"At 2-0 it would have been game over. That had an effect but we have to pick ourselves up. But it's not the end of the journey, it's the start of the journey.
They fought magnificently, there is a great spirit in the camp and they are very disappointed."

Lee also refused to lay the blame at Tal Ben-Haim's door after the Israeli star diverted the ball past his own goalkeeper to give Marseille their eventual matchwinner.

"It was a terrific ball in and you can't criticise the lad,"

Ben-Haim himself was naturally disappointed but he says the team must now pick themselves up for an important Premiership clash at home to Fulham this coming weekend.

"Everybody is disappointed but we have a fantastic manager, fantastic staff and a fantastic squad, and believe me we will be more than ready for Sunday,"

"Sometimes it is unbelievable what happens in football. We were in a great winning position then it all changed before half-time. Unfortunately we are now out of the competition."

Bolton scorer Stelios Giannakopoulos echoed the sentiments of team mate Ben-Haim and called upon the side to keep their heads held high when the Cottagers come to the Reebok Stadium in a couple of days from now.

"This is football. You cannot change the past. We are disappointed. We tried to do our best tonight. We scored the first goal but didn't manage to keep the lead. Now we have to keep our heads up with Sunday's game coming up. We want to fight all the way so that we can be in Europe next season

"I'd like to say a big thank-you to all our fans on behalf of myself and all the players. They were magnificent. They came all this way for nothing. We are sorry but we tried."

Skipper Kevin Nolan has said that the side will strive to qualify for Europe next season to repeat a remarkable journey which began back in September when Bulgarian side Lokomotiv Plovdiv where defeated 2-1 at the Reebok Stadium.

"We have to put it behind us now and make sure we have these nights again next season, It just wasn't to be on the night. We switched off for a split second and when playing quality sides this is what happens."