What is your feeling after this defeat, the first in the Champions League?
We came across a team much stronger than ours, quite simply. We must also recognize when the opponent is much superior, this is reflected in the score. Even if we still have regrets because we concede goals which are, in my opinion, avoidable. And then the regret too is not having lasted a little longer in the match. Because we knew that at any moment, and we saw it when we almost reduced the score, we could find a situation to put them in difficulty. It almost happened. I haven't seen the action again, but the offside shouldn't be huge. Sometimes, it doesn't matter much. Afterwards, what to say? So much technical mastery in front, so many connections between the players. We feel that there are a good half of them who have been playing together for many years. All these young people leaving the Masia. And then the players around to complete. Between Lewandowski and Raphinha, we saw that it was at a very high level. With ball and without ball.
You were aware that Barça's level was very high. Despite everything, are you satisfied with what your players produced?
Of course I hoped for better, that my team would be able to show more things. Afterwards, we must recognize that Barça had a very good match. They were very good with and without the ball. That's what's most impressive. It's not just that they are technically proficient, it's that after losing, they also have this ability to reduce spaces, to immediately be stifling for the opponent. Even with this defensive line that plays very, very high, as they don't let you organize yourself, you don't have the possibility of being fixed, of finding the pass. I think he also missed a lot of things to put Barça in difficulty. So, congratulations to them.
What positive things can we take away for you, for your team? How can she grow?
In any case, positive things will have to be learned from it. In the sense that this evening, my players were confronted with the best in Europe, quite simply. So, to realize the difference, to realize the quality too. To confront is to learn and grow. It was said a lot that we were performing quite well even though we had never played a European Cup match. Unfortunately, tonight, we are no longer undefeated. It's true that we managed to respond to the previous matches, it was perhaps not the cream of the European level, except Leverkusen. But in all cases, we responded. Today I think the step was a little too high. But at the same time, to climb mountains, you will have to be able to set off on foot, climb little by little, fall back and then get up again. In any case, we will have no other choice today than to take this path and perhaps also progress. In any case, I hope the players learn from this match, because it is important.
