Matjaž Kek told reporters his team gave Denmark too much respect at first in their opening group game, which they eventually came back to draw 1-1.
Slovenia grew into the match after Christian Eriksen’s 17th-minute opener and eventually equalised through Erik Janža in the 77th minute.
Embed from Getty Images“Those were two different halves, I think the result is realistic. Maybe we showed a bit too much respect in the first half and then we managed to break free in the second half and our play looked a lot better.
“This is definitely a match that showed me how much room for improvement we still have.
“I have the feeling that we were quite naive after conceding the first goal but I think we will learn from this.“
Slovenia are at the Euros for the first time since 2000, and came up against Denmark – semifinalists in 2021 – as clear underdogs.
When asked what changed in the second half, Matjaž said: “It was self-esteem. They saw this is not an insurmountable mountain. We set up a different tactic to really have some more pressing on their midfielders, we stepped up a bit, and those secondary balls were landing at our feet.”
“When they saw it is possible, we started playing.”
Slovenia had several chances to equalise with two powerful effoprts from Benjamin Šeško and multiple opportunities for Petar Stojanović before Janža eventually found the net.
“With Šeško’s kick we did not have much luck but when we scored the goal we did have a little bit of luck. Maybe this was a gift for what we have done and how we have played; I really want to congratulate our players, the whole of Europe could see Slovenia play.
“I really wanted them to believe that it’s possible; even in the first half if we managed a few more actions, if we were a bit more precise and accurate, we could have equalised a lot sooner.”
Embed from Getty ImagesMatjaž added with regards to Denmark: “We played a very good national team.
“I think this match was quite pleasant to watch, we had a great atmosphere, all the compliments to the Danish fans.
“The whole day we saw smiling faces, we received many messages, and we really respect all the fans here. I’m happy to be part of this huge spectacle without any problems.”
Speaking to his team’s own strength, he said: “”If a goalkeeper like Jan Oblak only has to save one big chance, that says a lot about the performance. We had some problems in the first half, but then the boys came back with incredible belief in themselves. I can only congratulate them.
“I think we have a very good generation going on with these players.
“Many of my players have never played such a big competition. When we saw something was possible today, they started playing. I think we will learn from this.
“As a coach, taking into account what those players are capable of, I’m very, very proud of them.”
Follow the reaction of their opponents Denmark, and every fixture from the tournament in Germany as they come, here on FromTheSpot.