Mircea Lucescu: Percentage of errors was higher than usual

29-08-10 22:07:27

- A strange game. We created a lot of chances, but unfortunately, none of them was converted. Probably, it is hard for the fans and players, and those who sit on the bench, wait when the team finally scores and convert its opportunities. As usual in recent times, a very relaxed start to the game. Many technical errors that are not characteristic of the Brazilians, especially concerning the final pass. After the break, the team has changed, came out more aggressive, faster and created much. Once again - a lot of moments created, but converted only one. The time was passing by, and we still could not score, the players were not concentrated enough in the final phase A bit hurried, so the percentage of mistakes was higher than usual. The important thing is that we still won three points, we have points but do not score and that fact leaves me wondering.

Today, to his surprise, and Douglas played not so well, as usual, especially in the first half. Not so bright, very often took the game himself, but did not develop those combinations which are peculiar to us. You can share this match on two different halves: the first, in the course of which almost nothing was created and it did not look impressive, and the second - basically, a good time.

- How serious is Chigrinskiy’s injury?
- I think it is very serious. If there is a muscle strain, perhaps even for recovery period it would take six weeks. I do not know yet exactly. Probably a continuation of last year ... I think that Barcelona have always found their form through the game, but he has not always played. Perhaps his training was different from overall team, and the muscles let him down today.

- In a narrow circle, we decided to choose Stepanenko as Man of the Match - a teaching method. In fact, we chose Shevchuk, who, from our point of view, played well today. Do you support us? - I did not like today’s Shevchuk, especially in the first half - it was a disaster. In the second half of the course he played better. It is very difficult to understand him - how he wants to play and what to do. I called Stepanenko the best because of the amount of defensive actions and for the percentage of challenges that he produced - very big! He was a fighter, has sacrificed himself in many episodes and I appreciate it. This quality, which should also be evaluated and this is not always dribbling, shooting or a beautiful pass.

- Another question about Stepanenko. You have a second home match in a row when you prefer him to Tomas Hubschmanu. How would you value his game now, and is he already in the right form for the Champions League?
- The problem we must solve. There are still two weeks before the Champions League. We must keep everyone in good tone, so that the players would train and play the game in good spirits. There must be a real competition between them. Stepanenko is young, like Douglas and Teixeira. The latter, by the way, can now be singled out - he blended well into the game in the second half.

FC Shakhtar
Press Office