Marino PUSICH: “Didn’t Matvienko play well enough? I’m proud of him too.”

Head coach of Donetsk football club Shakhtar Marino Pusic He evaluated the team’s defeat in the match against Catalan Barcelona in the Champions League 3rd round Group H:

– Congratulations on your first match against Shakhtar in the Champions League. How did this all come about for you, since as far as we know this is your second day at the club?

– Of course, the last three days have been an incredible experience: moving from a big club, Feyenoord, to another big club, Shakhtar, as well as having a training session and several meetings with the team to prepare them for this match. And as you know, such a match is not easy at all, away from Barcelona. Everything is happening so fast these days. One of his colleagues said: “Marino, I’ve known you for a day, but it feels like we’ve known each other for three years.” It was tense but I am grateful to everyone at Shakhtar for the warm welcome and support over the last two days.

– You made only three substitutions. Why limit yourself to this?

– It’s not a matter of quantity here. If I make a substitution, I want to see a different game, maybe change the rhythm or surprise the opponent. Sometimes it is necessary to do something to relieve the fatigue of some of the players who worked hard that night. I saw that the team was playing very good football, so there was no need to change players.

– I understand that you have only been in the team for a few days, but I want to ask about Matvienko’s performance. Hampered by injury or poor form?

– Do you think you’re not playing well enough?

– Even Taras Stepanenko had many comments to him during the match.

– Look, you have to understand one thing: for the team these are also important changes, a lot of emotions. Suddenly a new coach appeared in front of them. Three coaches have arrived in the last few days. It means a lot to the players. Everyone always thinks you should go out and play football, but they’re people too, they have feelings too. I can only say one thing: I don’t discuss individual players, but I’m proud of all my players tonight. The guys came out to compete with Barcelona, ​​one of the best teams in Europe in terms of play and quality. Did you ask about Matvienko? I’m proud of him too.

– I spoke with Captain Stepanenko. He said you want them to play boldly and ambitiously. Are you happy with the team?

– Yes, completely. In fact, they did everything I wanted. Of course, there are moments in the game where you have to withstand Barcelona’s pressure, and despite the pain, they showed character: they were very tough, organized and disciplined and supported each other. It is very difficult to respond to such high pressure and intensity of the opponent while having the ball. Even though the team performed well in the first half, we changed some things at halftime. If we can change something in the match we play against such an opponent, then there is potential and character. And that’s what I’m most pleased with.

– What can Shakhtar’s Ukrainian fans expect from the style of football you want to instill in the club? We saw some aspects at the beginning: creating an attack from deep, good high-speed combinations, attacks from the flanks. Can you summarize how you want the team to play?

– You have already mentioned a few things that I think are very important. This is part of my vision. First of all, Shakhtar is a big club in Ukraine. When you own a big club you have to try to be superior in some aspects, perhaps all. This is dominance both without and with the ball. I love football and I want to enjoy watching it. I also want to enjoy watching my team’s performance on the field. That’s why I want to see a lot of movement, high pressure and courage that we showed tonight. This is something we will be developing in the near future. This much. I want to see good football.

– It’s a special evening for Dmitry Chigrinsky because Barcelona is his old club. He didn’t play now. How do you see his role in the squad?

– That’s a very good question, thank you. I’m so glad he was here with us and was able to meet the people he played or worked with. He smiled and it was nice to see that. He is experienced, smart and has a great character. This also applies to other players his age in our squad: they support, help, guide the young players. I want them to fulfill that role, and they do it well,” Pusic said.

Shakhtar’s next match in the Champions League will be played against Barcelona on 7 November, kick-off will be at 19:45. The meeting is planned to be held at the Volkparkstadion stadium in Hamburg (Germany).

Video review of the match Barcelona – Shakhtar – 2:1