Mircea Lucescu: This season will be tough

30-07-10 21:34:42

Right after an away fixture against Arsenal Kyiv Shakhtar’s head coach has looked back on the recent game.

—There are no any doubts about today’s result. I consider it as a well-deserved one. Despite the fact we have kicked it off tough and Pyatov made a mistake, clearing Symonenko’s shot. Nevertheless, we saw the squad’s immediate reaction to a goal conceded. They focused on pressing and, as a result, we had led the score by the first half-time. As for Douglas, I think his goal was incredible again. His individual skills are topflight. Soon after the break we scored and refused from persistence, though there were many other goal-scoring opportunities. We had the game under control, considering the weather conditions. We knew Arsenal is a team that plays well in the air due to their tall and strong performers. Today they attacked less than ever. The opponent tried to catch us on counterattacks, but they failed to produce a good play.  Their goal-scoring opportunities arouse out of free direct shots and corners. As for goals failed to be credited, we need to see a rerun to talk about it. In general, I am satisfied with the result. These three points are very important. And I am glad everybody invited to my birthday party will be in good spirits. It is important.

—Could you evaluate Chygrynskyy - Ishchenko moves in the central defensive line? Is it possible for them to form a regular tandem?
—We were forced to use this liaison, as Kucher was sent off in the last game. And Chyzhov got an injury, while yesterday’s training session. Rakytskyy has got tonsillitis. I cannot say I am completely satisfied with tonight’s play of supporting defenders, as everything they have made was extempore… We have got strong competition in the defensive positions. Kryvtsov is young and promising. Those, who turn out to be better, will appear in the starting line-up.

—Shakhtar seldom plays with two forwards, but today you have done it… Are you satisfied with their appearances?
—Both forwards played well. And both of them had enough losses. Sometimes they did not know how to be on the ball, to control it. Adriano did not produce much at the start, but then he tried to do his best. In terms of tactics, when most of the teams usually set their home side of the field, we have to look for goal-scoring opportunities to produce an aggression. Perhaps, we might use this scheme in future.

—Do not you fear, while clashing for the top spot with Dynamo, both of you let another strong team slip and get the title? It might be Dnipro, for instance…
—Dnipro is very good team this year. It has enough experience. There is sound competition. And they have got an extended squad with many subs. It might be Dnipro…or Metalist… I guess this season will be tough.

—Why this season Shakhtar focus on the game only after goals conceded?
—I am frustrated with it. There is a certain relax at the start. And such players as Andriy Pyatov must not concede such shots. I believe it is a question of concentration…And even after that I did not like his reaction in some situations. All the players appearing on the pitch must be a 100 per cent ready.  Unfortunately, sometimes we do not show it.

FC Shakhtar
Press Office