- Shakhtar did better early in the first half. But we didn’t plan to be mostly in possession in this game. Shakhtar have very skillful and fast players. We created the first chance for them ourselves, when Mykolenko made a mistake, but Boiko did a great job.
As for the second half, its best part is the score. Before the game we told players we must preserve the trophy. After the break we had to demonstrate character. We still have what to work on, but we have potential to enforce our attack. Tsyhankov and Sol are getting better. Unfortunately Rusyn has certain problems. It was also risky for Kadar and Verbic to take the field, but they need to play to recondition.
Shakhtar had good chances, but they didn’t use them while we used our opportunities. Besides, I’d like to focus on the episode when they fouled against Harmash inside the penalty area and referee ignored that.
- Have your players fulfilled the game plan?
- We must do better in terms of possession and transition from defense to attack. In the first half Harmash took wrong positions in certain episodes, but we explained him that and he did better after the break. Late in the game he rushed into the box awesomely and scored the decider.
- De Pena made a substitute appearance in the first half. Are you satisfied with his performance?
- He did what we told him to and made his contribution into this win.