Lucescu rues missed chances against Al Hilal

Lucescu believes his team failed to make the most of its promising moments against Al Hilal and was missing “something important”. The coach also lamented the lack of quality in the final action, while praising his players’ commitment.

Asked whether facing Al Hilal, whom he had coached previously, brought back particular feelings, Lucescu said that preparing for a match took precedence over those emotions. “Once we are on the pitch and preparing for the match, we do not dwell on such feelings or memories; they are still present in our minds, though,” he replied. He added that the period had been significant, but that the focus in the build-up to a match was on preparation.

Lucescu also praised Al Hilal’s play, organisation and physical qualities. He described a motivated side with players able to cover the ground and spaces, and said the heat had not affected them. Weather conditions can have an impact or make no difference, he added, depending on the level of motivation.

The coach also spoke about Al Sadd’s difficulties after a long break. Some players returning from injury have yet to regain full fitness, he explained. The team is now resuming the work and effort put in during the summer preparation period, but under different conditions.

In Lucescu’s view, his team had the right spirit and work rate; what it lacked was effectiveness. “Matches are decided on the pitch,” he said, pointing to luck or the quality of the final action. He also acknowledged that his side lacked momentum and favourable circumstances, and needed to stop conceding after its first mistake. The answer, he insisted, must be a strong response and a fight on the pitch.