Shakhtar Donetsk head coach Marino Pusic commented on his team's defeat to Spanish side Barcelona (1-2) in yesterday's away match of the 3rd round of the Champions League group stage.
Marino Pušić"You have to understand one thing: there were significant changes for the team, a lot of emotions. Suddenly a new coach has appeared in front of them. There have been three coaches in the last few days. It means a lot to the players. Everyone always thinks you should just go out and play football, but they are also human beings, they have emotions. I never discuss individual players, but I'm very proud of all my players on this night. The guys came out to compete with Barcelona, one of the best teams in Europe in terms of play and quality.
In fact, they did everything I asked them to do. Of course, there are moments of the game when you have to withstand the pressure of Barcelona, and despite these sufferings, they showed character: they were quite tough, organised and disciplined, supporting each other. It's very difficult to respond to such high pressure and intensity from the opponents when in possession of the ball. We changed some things at half-time, although the team did well in the first half. If we can change things during a game against such an opponent, then we have potential and character. And this is what I am most satisfied with.
Why did you limit yourself to only three substitutions today? It is not a matter of quantity. If I make a substitution, I want to see a different game, maybe to change the rhythm or surprise the opponent. And sometimes you have to do something about the exhaustion of some players, who worked very hard this evening. I saw that the team played good enough football and in that case I didn't need substitutions," said Pušić at the post-match press conference.
