Mircea Lucescu: I want to embrace whole local audience

24-01-15 05:04:33

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Press conference by Shakhtar head coach after defeating Internacional.

- It was a very good game. This is a positive match for both teams. The starting lineup featured the first team players, and we had to score the opener to attain confidence. In the second half, the players have changed, with younger players taking to the pitch. We showed our better side, created many chances and achieved a positive result. The opponents also proved themselves. This is important.

- It’s been Shakhtar’s first win. What’s your take on it?
- I'm happy with the team. They played well and showed decent football. But in the previous meetings, we also did pretty well. In the match against Flamengo we should have won. In the encounter with Atletico Mineiro, we created a lot of clear-cut chances, which must have been converted by us. We also had good chances vs Bahia. It’s just because we haven’t made the mistakes that we made in our previous meetings.

- Are you planning to extend the same style of play: a very strong defence and a quick transition to the counter?
- Yes, we always act like that. Trying to maintain that level not only today, but also preparing to make sure that Shakhtar always operate that way. In the first half, the players with more experience take to the pitch on most occasions. Those are Douglas Costa, Luiz Adriano, Taison, Teixeira and Fred. And in the second half, we field younger players who are not used to this style yet. It is necessary for them to get prepared. I also want to embrace the whole local audience. You are just fantastic! Thank you for the fact that you gave Shakhtar top quality players.

FC Shakhtar
Press Office