KR clinch 26th Icelandic title
Monday, September 23, 2013
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"It has not been easy but we have made fewer mistakes than the rest," said KR Reykjavík coach Rúnar Kristinsson after his side clinched the Icelandic title in his 150th game in charge.
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KR Reykjavík have clinched the Icelandic Premier League title with two matches to spare in coach Rúnar Kristinsson's 150th game in charge.
Sunday's 2-1 victory away to Valur Reykjavík ensured KR put both FH Hafnarfjördur and Stjarnan out of reach three days after a 3-0 loss to Breidablik had delayed their celebrations. Two first-half goals from Gary Martin were the key even though an own goal kept things interesting, meaning FH lost their grip on the crown despite a 2-0 win at Fram Reykjavík.
Kristinsson, who marked his century of fixtures at the helm last year with an Icelandic Cup triumph, also helped KR to the 2011 championship and said: "It has not been easy but we have made fewer mistakes than the rest. We really wanted to win this game, worked hard for it and ran the whole game, but we were a bit tired after a difficult programme recently.
"It is not easy knowing you need only two points from four games to clinch the title – it is too easy saying we just need to win the next game. And it certainly would not have been easy had we lost today – to then have to do it in the last game."
This latest title takes KR to a record tally of 26 championships, six clear of nearest rivals Valur. Their 2011 success came after an eight-year wait but their focus in reclaiming the crown was clear this year, KR going through their ten home matches so far with nine wins and a draw.
"We have a great team spirit like in 2011, but the main thing is that the players are ready for work together," former KR and KSC Lokeren OV player Kristinsson said. "I have many good players on the bench; some get frustrated and even angry not to get on the pitch but that's how I like it. Everybody is still working for the team."
Hoping next year to win a UEFA Champions League tie for the first time since 2000/01, Kristinsson added: "If you want to have a team battling for the top on various front – league, cup and Europe – you must use a wide selection of players. We have that luxury, not only on the pitch but everybody around the team too."
