Mircea Lucescu: "I'm pleased with the reaction of the players after we conceded"
The blue-white-sky blue Boss on the win in Ireland, the opposition's tactics, missed chances and prioritising between tournaments.
We knew that we were in for a tough game, I knew that for sure. But I wasn't sure about the players, because they seemed to be a relaxed in the first half, they were slow and in static positions. We had total advantage in possession of the ball, but we did not create a lot of chances. They defended well and were very professional. They closed us down and it was difficult to get behind them and threaten their goal. Dundalk were waiting for our mistakes and to counter attack. It was almost a repeat of the game with Maccabi, but we made it possible to completely control the game, we waited for mistakes and tried to score.
I'm pleased with the players reaction after conceding the goal. We stepped up, scored, and after a good combination were able to do it again. Dundalk were aggressive, showed their strength and will, the pitch was not the best quality. I want to say that this Irish side have not lost in Europe, so we are glad that we managed to win.
It was said that Dundalk don't play in a typically British way. Is that right?
We can see how they played by the result, they knew what to do in attack and in defence, they are a good team. They didn't play any long balls, as some had suggested, they played short passes and used a variety of combinations. They played at a high tempo and made quick decisions.
What is the priority for you, the Russian championship or the Europa League?
Our priority is to win the next game.