Mircea Lucescu: "We need a little patience and time"
The blue-white-sky blue Boss on the match against Lokomotiv, Kerzhakov, Witsel, Mak, Giuliano and the Petrovsky.
I would like to first comment on the game. This will exactly answer your question. The first thing that I did not like is the result. In terms of content, we had every advantage throughout the match and controlled the game, which is not how it always used to be. There were 4 or 5 moments where we should have scored, in contrast to our opponents who did not create anything. We played against a very experienced team, who were quite aggressive and we knew they would be. Three minutes added by the referee I thought was very little. Even in the last few minutes late in the game, we put pressure on the opponents, and more time would have helped. I liked how the team came out of defence, but only at certain times, not throughout the game. I did not like the way we played around their penalty area, we kept the ball well, but dis not always find the right final ball. There wasn't enough in the completion of the attack, sometimes we we were at the point when it was necessary to be calm and concentrate to the maximum but we did not have the best final balls and unfortunately, it affected us in the final stages of attack. We did not really play well on the right, where Kokorin and Smolnikov were, especially in the first half. We are more satisfied with the second half than the first and satisfied with the actions of our wingers, there was some good passes, after which we should have scored. After all of these passes found our players, they had to score, but we didn't beat the 'keeper. There are times when we need to improve. We need to work more on our attack, synchronous the movements of the players.The attacking players have to be generous.
What can you tell us about Axel Witsel? And it took you a long time to come to the press-conference what was going on?
I've been waiting in the locker room and came here when summoned to this press conference, so that's not my fault. With regard to the first question, Witsel wants to leave. Even today, he had no great desire to play and wanted to avoid injury. When I decided to make the change and asked if he was ready to play, he said yes. Before the first of September, until the transfer window closes, all will be fine. I'm going to convince him to play for the team, because we need his experience. We also have Giuliano. We had few players, so I insisted on the transfers and Mak coming. We lost a lot of top players and try to build a new game style. I want to say that I am happy with all that I don't have a single complaint.
Please comment on Kerzhakov's game.and will Zenit buy a new striker or rely on him?
Kerzhakov can play much better than he did today, but this is explained by the fact that few passed came his way. However, those that reached him, he turned into dangerous situations. I can not say that I'm displeased with him, he played quite well.. Now we are trying to rebuild the team play, I mean, as we emerge from the defence through the defenders. Previously, it was easier, the ball was given to Danny or Hulk and they knew what to do next. Now we need to involve a larger number of players to go on the attack, and it is not easy to implement. If you look at the result, I am not happy. If you look at how we played, I'm satisfied. I think if Dzyuba was on the field, and these passes reached him, the result was different, and the impression of the game would have been different.
Are you satisfied with the current team, given that you are talking about buying new players and what about Mak and Giuliano?
I insisted on these transfers, because there was a moment when we had 14-15 players, which is not even enough for the job and these players at once were ready to help us. I know Giuliano well. So many times we played against him, his qualities are known. The captain of a team like Gremio must be tough, He's played for all levels for Brazil too, that tells you something. Plus, I am well aware of his personal qualities. Mak has extensive international experience, he will be the player for coming in to the team depending on the limit. His speed and aggression are impressive, which today there were not enough shown in attack. As for the purchase of new players, now the prices for high-level players are not worth it, it's a big risk. I believe that this team we achieve good results with these players. We just need a little patience and time.
You talked about the role of fans in the team's fortunes. Is the chemistry between players and fans?
The fans were with us from the first minute to the last minute. It is a pity that in this stadium, they are far away from us and cannot provide too much pressure, which can be stadiums without a running track.