JOVICEVIC: Men can walk out of the football sanctuary with their heads held high

Press conference after the results of Shakhtar Donetsk head coach Igor Jovicevich’s Champions League group match against Real Madrid (1:2).

– How do you feel after a minimal defeat in a match that went well enough for you? And did you see the opportunity to earn points in this game?

– Yes, there was a little bit of everything in this game. Especially in the beginning we had a lack of experience. We gave a lot of space to Real Madrid, who finished the offense very well. We just do not have the experience of such matches. Also of course we played against the best team in the world and that cannot be hidden. But the more such matches we have, the better we play as a team. In some aspects and segments, we were not only on the same level as Real Madrid, but sometimes even surpassed the opponent. At certain moments, our players played in such a way that Real Madrid’s best players could not neutralize them. This allows me to experience pride and positive emotions that will stay with me. I think Madrid justifiably won – they forgave us in some moments. Mudrik had opportunities and we were able to finish the match in a draw. But the adrenaline felt at such moments did not allow us to get the desired result. But we acknowledge that we are playing against the best team in the world and we understand that our shortcomings may be enough against other teams today.

– You said that Real Madrid is the best team in the world. How did you find today’s game?

We are fully aware of its strengths. But even before the game, we mentioned that they don’t always have to play great to get the desired result. The quality they show on the field is incredible. They are in full control of time. We can switch wings, we can unite, and then Real Madrid can attack and score a goal. Sometimes we can’t show a complete combination game because we don’t have experience in this field. They are creating chances against us in a very calm rhythm because they know how to do it. And I repeat, the more such games, the more experience we will gain and the more calmly we will perceive it.

– Leipzig won against Celtic. How do you see your decisive matches with these teams?

– Every game matters. Now we will analyze what happened today in terms of the emotional part, so as not to make simple mistakes that are not necessary. Many Ukrainians will come to the match in Warsaw – they will support us. It seems to me that the next match against Real Madrid will be a little easier thanks to the support of the stands. But of course it won’t be easy. It is not easy to prepare for such a game, especially in conditions where you have to travel constantly. It is also necessary to meet expectations because everyone expects victory from us. What can we promise? That we will always fight. We will be focused, we will be motivated. And I think we’ll show our best match when the warm-up is over. We can play well and be surprised at how we surprised Leipzig. Yes, of course Madrid won today rightfully, but there were also positive moments in our game that we would try to improve.

– Part of the Santiago Bernabéu applauded your players after the end of the game. How did you find?

– Yes, the people of Madrid have always respected, but also judged the players – it was like that before and I felt it from my own experience. You know better than me that in their early years the actors were not like they are now. It’s always an experience, the result of playing well, learning from your mistakes. Vinicius wasn’t like that and is now one of the best players in the world. I will tell my men that they can only be proud of themselves for their fight against Madrid. Are we lost? Yes. Thank you to the Carlo Ancelotti team for their game. But no bad feelings were left from this fight. I’m happy with the way the match went: there was a certain tension at first, Shved, Mudrik had a chance but we cannot ignore the fact that the opponent was better and rightfully won. However, we also had good moments and got positive impressions from the match.

– What did you say to your players when you drew a circle in the middle of the field after the match? How did you feel when you returned to the Bernabeu?

– I repeat, our men can leave the football temple with their heads held high. We made all Ukrainian fans proud, who saw how we fought, how we tried to realize our ambitions. We are also grateful to our compatriots – we take an example from them: we fight on the ground while they fight for freedom. We also have a civic responsibility to show the same struggle and never give up. We just have to continue our efforts. I told them that they can lift their heads and that what they have shown in this match may be enough against other teams. Maybe more is needed against the strongest team in the world, but the game we showed today with less strong opponents may be enough. As for my feelings, it’s been 30 years since I played but it’s an incredible feeling to make my debut as a Champions League team manager at a stadium like this where I started my career years ago. It is joy, very strong emotions and unforgettable emotions.

– What memories and impressions do you have from Brazil and playing there as a Guarani player?

– Yes, I played in Brazil in 1999. At that time, the coach didn’t really trust me, and for nine months I went to the Brazilian championship, which I enjoyed immensely. There are very good fans who know how to support. We played against the best teams in Brazil: Paulista, Liga Carioca – one of the strongest leagues in the world. Playing against clubs like Santos was an unforgettable experience for me.