We never know we’re beat – Derek McInnes hails Kilmarnock spirit

Posted Friday, August 09, 2024 by PA

Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes praised his side’s spirit following their late equaliser against Tromso and expects his team to be better for the second leg.

McInnes bemoaned the concession of two soft second-half goals after Kyle Vassell netted on the rebound in the sixth minute, but 19-year-old Bobby Wales produced a first-time finish from a stoppage-time corner to earn a 2-2 draw in the UEFA Conference League third qualifying round.

McInnes said: “We got off to a great start, I thought our press was good and we spooked them a wee bit.

“They are a team who are really unusual. You see the goalkeeper coming out and being an extra centre-half.

“We don’t face that in Scotland where a goalkeeper comes right up to the halfway line and becomes the extra body. You have to understand, if you do the maths, then they’ve got an extra man somewhere.

“When the goalkeeper does that it’s a test of your organisation and it’s difficult to get that pressure on.

“They started to get more confidence without really troubling us. There’s no doubt they finished the first half stronger just by showing a bit of authority and I think what we needed to do was, when we did win the ball, we needed to look after it and make them think twice about being as brave.

“They look more game-ready. They are where we would be in January.

“But what pleased me was the way we finished the game, the spirit. That was us all over last season. That’s why we’re in Europe because we never know we’re beat.

“We keep going and it was a really special moment for Bobby Wales.”

McInnes, whose side are now four games into their season, added: “I think we’ll be better for having another 90 minutes in the legs.

“Game-ready isn’t just about fitness, it’s about sharpness of the mind and playing competitive football and you don’t see any team as good as they’re going to be at this stage of the season.

“We’re probably going to have to be next week to get the result but I feel a quiet determination within the team.

“Ultimately we still need to to be better and not concede those types of goals.”

Killie were awarded a penalty at 2-1 down with 14 minutes left after visiting goalkeeper Jakob Haugaard caught Joe Wright with his fist after he punched clear a high ball, but it was rescinded after a VAR review.

“I actually do think it’s a penalty,” McInnes said. “He got his gloves on the ball but there’s enough on the side of Joe’s head with the punch.

“But great spirit, great determination. You always remember how the game finishes. I think they think the game’s won. It’s not and we will look forward to next Thursday.”