Dantalk manager Filippo Giovagnoli explains all of his team’s action displays in the 4-3 Europa League defeat to Rapid Vienna. It is clear that the League of Ireland club can compete in the European arena.

David McMillan’s penalty in the 82nd minute helped the Irish team to victory. Goals from Kelvin Ares and Dejan Lubicic outscored Pat Hoban’s first opener.

However, in a busy final, the hosts hit twice in the final four minutes, denying the Lily Whites the first point of the match.

“It’s disappointing,” Geovagnoli said when asked to describe his experience after such an encouraging performance.

“We had a great performance tonight. We did a lot more team performance than we did in the end and qualified, but now we realize we can compete.

We understand that we can compete with these European giants.

“We weren’t scared. We came up with a plan. We played good soccer, but unfortunately the result was not good for us, but we look forward to the future and the next few games with more positivity.”

Dantalk retired in the middle of the level terms, and Geovagnoli revealed that he is more than happy with how the game is developing in Austria.

We made some mistakes, and if you make mistakes in Europe, you will be punished

“I was confident. At half time we had no more correction. We were performing. We came here to play without fear. We pressed and attacked in the middle and third. It was a complete performance.

“Then we made some mistakes, and of course if you make mistakes in Europe, you will be punished.”

Goalkeeper Aaron McCurry has struggled to replace Gary Rogers in the starting XI. Some Vienna goals, yet the League of Ireland club bounced back to 2-2, could have gone ahead when Greg Sloget destroyed a free header, only for Vienna to go to the other end and restore their lead.

“Sometimes you just need a little luck,” Geovagnoli said.

“I do not believe in too much luck. I believe in hard work, but sometimes you need it. Tonight was not our night with results, but the performance is still great. I am proud of all the players they have shown. I can compete.”