We play effectively
Friday, July 5, 2019
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Shakhtar manager Luis Castro reflects on the victory over Copenhagen and the recovery after two games
- Mister, which match was more successful today?
- The first half was really great. The team looked consistent, they attacked and created multiple scoring opportunities. Of course, on a training camp, the result before the break does not say much, but it reflects what happened on the field. We were 2-1 in front, although we could have led it 4-0. We performed a huge amount of attacking work - many players were in the finishing area. I’m pleased with the match.
- Several players participated in both meetings. Is that a big workload for the guys?
- Those who played less in the afternoon came on as substitutes and added a few more minutes. There were no risks of injury, and for us the most important thing is for everyone to finish the games without injuries to be able to train tomorrow. We managed it. The offensive and defensive principles that we work on are now more apparent in play. The guys give their all to the job and prove it in the games, which gives me confidence in the future.
- Do you like the way your men take the new formation?
- Yes. We play effectively, constantly creating chances, with many players in the finishing zone - all this allows me to be content. As for defending, the team dynamics are also up to the mark. However, we made a couple of mistakes that led to goals both in the morning and in the evening. They are personal ones, not collective, but still we retain confidence in our performance. And I think that step by step we will achieve our goals.
- Junior Moraes, who missed the game against CSKA Sofia on the first training camp, has scored a brace today. What do you make of his fitness?
- He got back training in an absolutely confident mood. Moraes is a striker, he lives and breathes the scored goals. And for him, it’s very important to gain confidence in that way. Also, sometimes people notice only what the player does when attacking, while Junior proves himself defensively as well: his scope of duties is not limited to attacking. In general, our team has a good balance between offence and defence, and that makes me happy.
- What is Shakhtar’s schedule for tomorrow?
- We also need some rest. There will be a training session, but for the guys, that’s a recovery day. To recover is the most difficult thing in football, and we will try to do it. But in no case can we recover in isolation, training must still be present. It’s important to work out the things that the guys can bring into play. Tomorrow, we will do that. On Monday, we also have two games. Another tough day and the players must be available.
- The first half was really great. The team looked consistent, they attacked and created multiple scoring opportunities. Of course, on a training camp, the result before the break does not say much, but it reflects what happened on the field. We were 2-1 in front, although we could have led it 4-0. We performed a huge amount of attacking work - many players were in the finishing area. I’m pleased with the match.
- Several players participated in both meetings. Is that a big workload for the guys?
- Those who played less in the afternoon came on as substitutes and added a few more minutes. There were no risks of injury, and for us the most important thing is for everyone to finish the games without injuries to be able to train tomorrow. We managed it. The offensive and defensive principles that we work on are now more apparent in play. The guys give their all to the job and prove it in the games, which gives me confidence in the future.
- Do you like the way your men take the new formation?
- Yes. We play effectively, constantly creating chances, with many players in the finishing zone - all this allows me to be content. As for defending, the team dynamics are also up to the mark. However, we made a couple of mistakes that led to goals both in the morning and in the evening. They are personal ones, not collective, but still we retain confidence in our performance. And I think that step by step we will achieve our goals.
- Junior Moraes, who missed the game against CSKA Sofia on the first training camp, has scored a brace today. What do you make of his fitness?
- He got back training in an absolutely confident mood. Moraes is a striker, he lives and breathes the scored goals. And for him, it’s very important to gain confidence in that way. Also, sometimes people notice only what the player does when attacking, while Junior proves himself defensively as well: his scope of duties is not limited to attacking. In general, our team has a good balance between offence and defence, and that makes me happy.
- What is Shakhtar’s schedule for tomorrow?
- We also need some rest. There will be a training session, but for the guys, that’s a recovery day. To recover is the most difficult thing in football, and we will try to do it. But in no case can we recover in isolation, training must still be present. It’s important to work out the things that the guys can bring into play. Tomorrow, we will do that. On Monday, we also have two games. Another tough day and the players must be available.