Yesterday, in the 20th round of the Ukrainian championship, Shakhtar Donetsk defeated Metalist Kharkiv 1-0. The match took place in Uzhhorod. Here are the post-match comments from the teams' head coaches.
Igor Jovicevic, Shakhtar head coach.: "In principle, I believe that the result is the result of the game. Although it was difficult on the pitch, which really hinders players who want to play as number one. You have to handle the ball faster, pass it, make the first touch, transfer the ball - and this is very difficult because the pitch is uneven, the turf is not in the optimal condition as we are used to at other stadiums. Therefore, we lacked a little bit of dynamics in the passing game to have more control.
Although, I think we fully deserved the three points today: we scored one more goal than the opponent, but we should have closed the game earlier. Just like in Odesa in the previous round. We cannot be so patient and cower to the end, having so many chances. We have to improve our execution to reduce psychological pressure and increase our concentration. Because in other matches we managed to open the scoring quickly, score the second goal and then play more freely and attack more interestingly.
Whoever scored more won, not whoever scored the most beautiful goal. But you also have to go through difficult matches like today if you want to be a champion. And this is no exception. "Real Madrid also became the champion, not always playing well and aesthetically pleasing, but playing for the result. We are going through the first year, getting the first challenge of fighting for the championship, having quite a few young players, but this is a very important experience for us. So we go from match to match. Today we got three points, and no one can cancel that.
"Metalist played a decent match today: they interfered with our pressing and attacking. If they play like this, they will take points away from their opponents. And you can see the coach's hand - what he wants on the football field. It was a very interesting match, and I wish them success."
Perica Ognjenovic, head coach of Metalist: "We prepared and knew that the game would turn out the way it did, we knew that Shakhtar is a very good team and if they have control of the ball, it will be very difficult for us. We created a few game situations that we had previously worked on, but again, we still have to score a goal - that's the most important thing. When we manage to do that in one of the matches, it will be easier.
We know that we need to win one match, and then the team will be psychologically at a higher level. We need to think from match to match, because the next game will be important and we need to get three points."
