Pusic: If we scored six goals, then this is a very good performance

Head coach Shakhtar Marino Pusic pleased with the team’s performance in the match with Ingulets (6:0) in the 14th round Ukrainian Premier League.

“We certainly did a great job. If you win with a score of 6:0, then in general it is a very good performance. And of course we scored a lot of goals in the second half, but we also created very good opportunities in the first. Unfortunately, we were not able to implement them, but we showed ourselves well. Therefore, overall a very good game on our part. I think if we scored six times I should be happy with that. And we didn’t concede, the opponent had one good chance in the first half – that’s all.”

“And regarding the next game: yes, of course, I’m thinking about it, because this is a different story, this is the level of the Champions League, of course, a big difference. I know PSV very well, we met several times in the Netherlands, and I must say that in the last two years they have become champions, a great team, and they are also the leaders of the championship. Therefore, this will be a very big challenge for us, just like every game in the Champions League is a big challenge. But we are ready for this. We’re playing well, we’re all in good shape, so I’m looking forward to this game. And the match will be difficult, but also interesting.”

“Anybody can miss a penalty. I was very pleased with the way Sudakov played that evening: he worked very hard for the team, did absolutely all the work that he had to do. I’m a little sorry he didn’t take that penalty, but overall he played well. And for me, playing well isn’t just about scoring or assisting, it’s about a broader range of skills that you need to show and use to help your team when the time is right, and he did that today. I must note this first of all, because it is important for me as a coach. And the fact that he didn’t take the penalty, he also knows that he should have scored this goal, but this happens. And you know, what I really like about Sudakov is that he always shows perseverance and never gives up after a bad moment.”

“He maintained his level, continued to work for the team, for himself, he wanted to be on the ball – this is exactly the characteristic of a top player. And I’ll tell you, if there’s another penalty, he’ll take it again, only this time I want him to take the rabona. Because this is not a problem at all. Sudakov is a fantastic player who works great for the team. Yes, you may miss a penalty, miss a chance, this happens to everyone sometimes.”

The miners managed to seal the Ingulets goal before the break. In the second half, Pusic’s team scored five more goals. Eguinaldo scored a double, Alexander Zubkov scored a goal and two assists.

Shakhtar ranks third in the UPL with 29 points. In the next match, Pusic’s team will play on November 27 in the Champions League against PSV.