Cherevchenko: We completely failed the first half

Lokomotiv head coach Igor Cherevchenko has summarized the game between Lokomotiv and Sporting in the fifth round of the Europa League group stage.

- We completely failed the first half. Sporting were a better team, and not just in defense but also in midfield.

- There has been a loss against Anji and now there's another one . Do you feel like the team is in the pit?

- No. We are going to get ready for Dynamo. But we have made things really difficult for us now in the Europa League. Now three teams have a chance to move on. We're going to make our way out of this.

- The team had to get to the stadium by metro. Could it have influenced the game somehow?

- Come on, we didn't have to run or do something that would make us tired. I can find a thousand excuses and none will be valid to justify a home defeat.

- Guilherme has conceded three goals between his legs today…

- That's only due to Sporting players’ high skillfulness. Guilherme is a very strong keeper.

- Why did Miranchuk come on so late?

- It's our decision. I'm not going to give marks to the players’ performance now, I have to watch the replay several times first.

- Was Sporting’s performance a surprise for you? Especially after your win in Lisbon.

- We always knew Sporting are a very strong team. They are the leaders in their national championship, which is fair. No surprise. A fast and skillful team, in all lines. They deserved a victory.