Marino Pusic: We can improve some things in Shakhtar

Press conference of head coach of Shakhtar Marino Pusic after the Ukrainian Cup match against Viktoriia (3-0).

– What do you think about the game? What were you able and not able to implement?
– When you play the cup game, the most important part is to win and go to the next round. It is very important. I am happy that we did it, I congratulated my players, because they put a lot of energy into it, especially considering the way we played. I am very happy about it. We controlled the game, we were very good on the ball most of the time. Maybe we can improve some things in the last third of attack, but I am happy with the way we played and the energy we showed. All of the players deserve a good compliment.

– You said that you should improve attack finishing actions. What instructions did you give to Danylo Sikan when he came on as a substitute?
– I said what I usually say to the players when they come on as substitutes: how to choose a position, what is needed to be done for this, some game moments, how to use spaces. That is it about the attacking part. And if we talk about the defensive part, what we needed at that moment is his energy and aggressiveness, his working attitude, which is always excellent. I told him that it is important to be on the ball, when to be involved, when the game needs him.

– But did you tell him something during the match?
– During the match, I talked about the attacking part, how to choose better position, be available and create space for somebody else. Small details which could help him and the entire team at that moment. Details about positioning. I am not going to tell you exactly what I said.

– You have already made your debut in the Champions League and the Ukrainian Cup, and you will make your debut in the Ukrainian League with a match against Dynamo led by the legendary head coach of Shakhtar Mircea Lucescu. What do you think about the showdown with Lucescu?
– I am not thinking about that kind of things. I always have respect for all my colleagues, so for me there is no big difference. Of course, I will pay attention to the way the opponent play. It is a big game, a derby, there is a lot of emotions. I understand that I will compete with an experienced specialist.

– Viktoriia coach said that he expected more rotation from Shakhtar today. Tell us, did you field the line-up that will appear during Friday’s match against Dynamo today?
– I always think only about the first next match, and it was tonight. I felt that these players should bring more energy, because we played a pretty tough game against Barcelona. I am new to them, and I also want to see some players perform in a serious official match to know them better. I know that these players have certain qualities. First focus is always on the next game, so we have three days to prepare ourselves to play against Dynamo, and then we will see who is going to play. Whether there will be rotation or not – I do not know what people think about it, but for me it means that actually everybody in the squad will get their chance and opportunity to show themselves. And I thought the game tonight was a good opportunity, but first let me say that I am not underestimating the opponent, but using the players to see them in real game. Because, as you know, we trained only twice, there was not enough time to prepare and learn them better. For me, the game picture is the best picture, so that is why.

– You have already faced Dynamo as a coach in 2020, when you played against Kyiv team with AZ Alkmaar. What do you remember about that match?
– It was a weird period, COVID times, without people at the stadium. Unfortunately, the circumstances are similar now, which I feel very sorry about. I remember that we played in a big stadium, I think in the centre of the city, and it was empty. It was just one game, because at that moment UEFA decided that only one match should be held, when normally we play at home and away. Unfortunately, we lost that game, but that is what I remember, not a lot. Many things have changed of course: Dynamo have a lot of new players, same coach, but the squad is different. And I am in another club. So there is no correlation at all. It was a tough game, I can remember that. That is it, actually, nothing special.

– Have you already watched any matches of Dynamo? And how many opponent’s games do you plan to watch in general?
– I always watch a lot of games of the next opponents. My wife suggests watching a movie, but I answer that I do not have time for a movie, I have to watch a game. I studied a lot of the matches of the opponents, it is just the way I work – I want to know everything. So, I saw their games, yes, but I am not going to tell you anything about it.