Two different halves
Sunday, August 18, 2019
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Shakhtar manager Luis Castro reflects on the victory in Lviv, the missed penalty, the injuries of Dentinho and Pikhalyonok
- Just two different halves. In the first one, we controlled the game in absolutely every aspect, carrying out a huge amount of attacking work and creating multiple scoring chances. By the 20th minute, we already had four clear-cut scoring opportunities, which we failed to convert. But before the end of the first half, we still managed to score two goals. It was an absolutely well-deserved result by the break: the team showed excellent results. The second half was eventful. Two rather serious injuries of Dentinho and Pikhalyonok, and a retaken spot-kick which, unfortunately, we failed to score, somewhat affected the consistency of our play. However, even at those difficult moments, Shakhtar continued controlling the course of the match, not allowing Lviv to create any scoring chances. We secured three points - this is our main goal. To sum it up, we had a very good first half and a bit unstable second one.
- Did you replace Alan Patrick due to the missed penalty or was it planned earlier?
- Those who were attentive at the stadium saw that Pikhalyonok was warming up and by that moment was already standing near the sidelines. He was ready to appear even before the penalty situation. That is, the substitution was planned in advance and has nothing to do with the missed spot-kick. I will never punish my players for any individual, technical errors because that’s pointless. Otherwise, there would be too much pressure on every player. It has never been and will never be like that. Unfortunately, we did not score that penalty, but that's okay.
- How serious are the injuries of Pikhalyonok and Dentinho?
- We will assess the situation, and you will learn the information from our medical department about this tomorrow.
- Did you replace Alan Patrick due to the missed penalty or was it planned earlier?
- Those who were attentive at the stadium saw that Pikhalyonok was warming up and by that moment was already standing near the sidelines. He was ready to appear even before the penalty situation. That is, the substitution was planned in advance and has nothing to do with the missed spot-kick. I will never punish my players for any individual, technical errors because that’s pointless. Otherwise, there would be too much pressure on every player. It has never been and will never be like that. Unfortunately, we did not score that penalty, but that's okay.
- How serious are the injuries of Pikhalyonok and Dentinho?
- We will assess the situation, and you will learn the information from our medical department about this tomorrow.