Romanian coach Mircea Lucescu had a chat with journalists after the game against FC Shakhtar Donetsk (0:1).
- I don’t feel like discussing the game today. I want to say that I dedicated 15 years to Ukrainian football. This was my last match. I’ve bid farewell to my players and Shakhtar. I hope a part of me has left a trace in Ukrainian football. I’m thankful to Shakhtar president Rinat Akhmetov and Dynamo president Ihor Surkis. I wanted to finish differently, but everything has its ending – football career, football itself, love, life.
Speaking briefly about the game – the more experienced team won today. We had chances, but didn’t use those. Dynamo have promising youth with future. One needs to work a lot, but I’m sure that both Dynamo and Ukraine have future. It’s been rough for me lately – war, absence of fans, moment of silence before every game. People get more sentimental with age. I was constantly thinking of those dying in the frontline every day, of the civilians.
I would like to thank the Ukrainian football and the country for these wonderful 15 years. I wish everyone good health, peace and bright future. Since the beginning of war I was here, with the team, just like in 2014 when I didn’t leave Donetsk. Maybe my authority, my pressure was too much for the young players, so I take responsibility for the recent results.
Youngsters need time. They can’t replace experienced players right away. It’s easy to criticize, but one needs to be patient. One should support them so that they could make headway and demonstrate decent results with Dynamo and Ukraine for years.
I’d like to thank everyone for everything. I also pay tribute to the memory of Artem Frankov, who loved football, lived by football. It is a pity that such people are leaving us. I wish all of you all the best!
