After the victory over FC Nordsjælland, Shakhtar head coach answered the journalists’ questions at his post-match press conference.- First of all, I would like to apologize for the goal scored by us, which caused much talk. I did not see the beginning of the episode, because I turned to the bench and just saw Adriano receive the ball and score. He told me: I saw the ball at my feet, it triggered a striker instinct, and I hit. After that, we wanted to let the opponents score, but Stepanenko prevented us from doing so. And tough single combats broke out. We lost that fight, and FC Nordsjælland extended the lead. The Danes deserved that - they really fought. After they sticked the second in the back of the net, we woke up like a boxer after a shock from being hit. We bossed the game and created a lot of scoring chances. I think the result is entirely consistent with what was happening on the pitch. Probably, the stronger side won. But I am asking you to accept my apologies for what happened in our first goal-scoring episode. We got off to a flying start, had two goal-scoring chances, but, unfortunately, we conceded a goal due to a very good performance by John, who was the best in the first half. By and large, FC Nordsjælland scored two goals following his assists. But in general, we fully dominated it, netted five goals and still could score more.
- Do you remember October 1, 2008, when, after the game against Barcelona, you said that it was necessary to impose sanctions upon Messi, who had scored against Shakhtar in the situation similar to today’s one?
- Of course, I protested against it, because they didn’t even apologize for what had happened. But I never said that someone had to be punished.
- Why didn’t you tell your players to allow FC Nordsjælland to score?
- You, probably, saw that after the first goal by Adriano and at the time of FC Nordsjælland kicking off, all my players dispersed. Stokholm took the ball and could reach our goal but for Stepanenko.
- But then, during the break you could tell your team to let the opposition score?
- If you think that after the scandal, the insults and punches which took place on the pitch, my players would go out and allow the rivals to score against them, you are deeply mistaken then. The only thing I was asking them for at half-time was that they prove to everyone that they were much stronger and win it convincingly. And so they did.
- Will Adriano be punished by the club?
- Have you ever played football at all if you ask such questions? Throughout the game many errors occur, and Adriano made just one of them.
- How much proud are you of this win?
- I am very proud of this victory. In today's game, the scoreline, perhaps, should have been 2-10. I take great pride in my team. I apologised to you, but what can I do if you can’t understand.
