Mircea Lucescu: The main thing is to develop a man in a footballer

23-01-15 16:02:46

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Before the game with Internacional, the Pitmen’s head coach held a press conference.

- How intensive was yesterday's session and what do you expect from the upcoming match?
- It was the recovery session. It is important that those players who played against Atletico Mineiro recover. The rest of the performers had a full training. I want to explain why we came to Brazil. We all know that the local teams show very strong football. It is very important to play with them, to prepare for a serious match. In Ukraine, we often have to play at small training stadiums, at which it is difficult to gather public. Thus, it is very difficult to prepare for serious games. There are a lot of young players in our team, it was also very important to bring them here, to show how they play here. In addition, the matches of this tour improve discipline in the team. We knew that it would be very hot, that we would have to travel a lot. For us, this is certainly something new, but at the same time, this process is important in terms of discipline.

- How do you develop young people into professionals and such good people?
- I've always loved Brazilian football, because there are a lot of high-quality performers here. When I was a coach in Italy, such players as Zago came, they proved themselves well. Especially previously they claimed already some titles in Brazil. They came to us as already disciplined, good people. Then the situation changed. Press became too extol Brazilian players, it affected their discipline for the worse... Look now at Fernandinho, Jadson. They were and remain great players, good people. The most important thing is to develop a man in a footballer. He should do the right thing, not just wear gold accessories, watches. Everything should have its limits. In addition, it is important to help a family. It is necessary to develop that in everyone. Now Fernando is going through that in our team, Taison is more or less adapted, he is all well aware of. Brazilian training camp helps. We have a lot of games, it is necessary to be careful, concentrated.

- Can you say a few words about Bernard? A lot of talk that some players only want money and fame...
- I have already said in previous interviews and now say it again: the main thing is to teach the players discipline. Bernard was a little uncollected when he arrived, he was late for many times. Despite this, he is a talented footballer. I fielded him in the starting line-up in some games, in others he came on as a sub. He played against Porto. But, unfortunately, we didn’t win. The main thing is to develop a character and a man in an athlete. In the future it will help cope with difficulties, not only in football.Some time will pass, and he will return to the Brazil national team, because he is a good player who knows how to prove himself.

- Mister, there are still two games to go. Is the team’s task to return home with a victory? Or it does not matter because of their friendly status?
- For our opponents the result is important, but for us these are just training games. Here we are thinking about the upcoming domestic league campaign and the Champions League. I field as subs all the players who should prove themselves at the training camp. Young Malinovskiy and Kovalenko are fielded, when the result is already positive, so that they feel confident and able to express themselves. I analyze matches, there should be good preparation. The result is also great, but the important thing is how the team plays. Today and on Sunday we hope to be able to dominate the opponent and show good football.

FC Shakhtar
Press Office