Christian Gross:

We tried to play our game and we did it well till the 50^th minute. The first gaol they score on the 32^nd, though. We wanted to pull one goal back and end up in a draw to have chances for the next match. Alas, we failed.

A mere fact that we are paying in the Champions League group stage is a great achievement. Well, I suppose we must work harder, to improve our performance. Today we proved we are on the right track. Playing in the Champions League is precious experience for the young players. But now we shall have to switch all our attention to the domestic championship and the cup. What else needs improvement is our players’ ability to win individual duels. It is very important.

Have you learnt anything from this match?

I repeat: we played well during first 50 minutes. Brandao was not on the field, but there was Srna who has proved once again he is a top-class player. Playing in the centre of the field was the most difficult part. We couldn’t advance deep into Shakhtar’s territory. We shall have to work on this aspect.

Did you expect Shakhtar to perform like this?

They had just a few chances in the first half. After the first goal we were forced to move forward which gave Shakhtar chance to score all other goals.

     

FC Shakhtar Press office