Shakhtar's head coach Paulo Fonseca shared his opinion on the Veres-Shakhtar match (1: 2).
- First of all, I dedicate this victory to the fans in Donetsk. Today is City Day, and I know that there are so many supporting us. And especially I want to devote this result to the miners, because today is also their holiday. Our victory is for you! Now about the duel. We can say, we started it, yielding to the account. Missed in a moment that no one expected. After that, we created chances, but we could not score before the break. Already in the second half, some details were changed. The team showed character, fighting to the very end, because the victory is fully deserved. At the same time, I note that we met with a very strong rival. Veres perfectly defended and went into counterattacks. However, Shakhtar was better.
- There was an impression that after a successful start of the season in duels for the Super Bowl and Vorskla, your team began to slip and constantly experiencing difficulties. According to the plan, Shakhtar must progress to the Champions League?.
- I do not agree with what you said. Yes, after the game with Dynamo there were two matches that were not so good for us. But then there were good fights in Alexandria and with Olympic in Kharkov. We showed ourselves at a decent level and won victories. Such meetings are rather complicated, since the opponent usually closes on the defensive, and to find free space in such a situation is extremely difficult. Nevertheless, Shakhtar always acts in the penalty opponent. Although we have much to grow and what to add. Everyone understands that the matches of the Champions League are not at all like the championship of Ukraine. I hope and believe that by the start of the group stage we will be ready and will appear in our best form.
- What were you more dissatisfied with: rudeness of the opponent or team of arbitrators?.
- No, I was not dissatisfied with judging. Remained calm until the moment when my assistant was removed. It was from that second I was no longer so calm. Why? Because we are well aware: the referees are instructed to monitor our coaching staff. That is, they have an instruction infringing the Miner. This can be seen very clearly. We know perfectly well that they receive phone calls about this. I will say again: what happened today is unacceptable. You can see how it was two games ago ... I feel that the persecution of our coaching staff from the side of the judges really is. And that's not to mention the penalty that should have been assigned. We are only talking about a specific situation.
- How do you think, where do these instructions come from?.
- I will not talk about it anymore.. I will not reveal to you everything I know.
- Did you expect such a match in the performance of Veresa, who mainly plays in a draw, but here he led the score in the first minutes?.
- Yes, the opponent surprised. About this team, I can only respond well. Veres really brought us difficulties. The Rovens were organized defensively, they were aggressive and dangerous at the transition to the attack.
I agree, this team has a quality. We knew it beforehand, which was only confirmed on the field.
- Comment on the replacement during the break.
- Few accelerated our game ahead. Tyson has the corresponding qualities. At all I do not say that I am dissatisfied with the actions of Kovalenko. We just decided to bring a little bit more characteristics into the match.
The next rival of Shakhtar will be Zarya, and the match will be held on September 9.