Shakhtar showboating infuriates Lucescu
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Article summary
Mircea Lucescu was furious with his players after FC Shakhtar Donetsk's 2-1 win at FC Basel 1893, telling uefa.com their failure to score more goals and keep a clean sheet was because "everyone wanted to show off".
Article top media content
Article body
Dominant display
A brace of first-half free-kicks from Brazilian duo Fernandinho and Jadson proved enough to give the Ukrainian champions all three points after a dominant display at St. Jakob-Park. However, Lucescu told uefa.com that he had both praised and pilloried his players after the final whistle following the added-time strike from Basel defender David Abraham's which gave the scoreline a less flattering appearance.
'Very angry'
"It's three important points, but it could have been much easier," the Romanian coach said. "In the first half, Basel didn't create a chance – they didn't even have a shot. We stopped them totally, especially on corners and crosses where they are very good. In the second half we were too selfish, because we could have scored more goals, but everyone wanted to show off and that is why I was very, very angry. Then we conceded a stupid goal at the end to make it 2-1. That doesn't reflect the difference we saw on the pitch. I think we should have won by two or three goals."
'Forge ahead'
Victory leaves Shakhtar level on points with FC Barcelona, who visit Donetsk on Matchday 2. A positive result in that match would leave Lucescu's men well positioned to reach the knockout stages for the first time in five attempts, and the former FC Internazionale Milano coach is adamant his players have already taken an important step down the road to the last 16 by taking three points in Switzerland. "I'm certain that's the case, because the three points breed confidence and enthusiasm which means you can forge ahead," said the 63-year-old. "Barcelona are a good side, but not the side they were three years ago. We're going to prepare for that match well, but there's still a long way to go."
Fitful start
The defeat of the Swiss champions was only Shakhtar's third win this season after a fitful start to the defence of their domestic title. Lucescu, though, said goals and not performances have been the problem so far. "We've played the same way each game. We haven't scored goals, just like today, because we scored from free-kicks not from open play. And we've made stupid mistakes in defence. It's going to change, though, because the team is good."
