«It was a shock for me and the players»
Here is what Igor Tudor said in his press conference after the encounter against Iraklis for matchday 7 of the Super League.
On what happened in the dying minutes of the encounter:
«Nothing satisfied me. I am disappointed by the result, our display, our mentality. It’s unbelievable that we didn’t win after taking a 3-2 lead, or after being awarded that penalty. I didn’t expect this win to escape us. In 99 of 100 games such as this, we would be victorious. It was a shock for me and the players«.
On the team’s performance:
«Iraklis went about their business, but I focus on us. What we displayed today wasn’t enough to clinch victory. Each one of my players knows his duties on the pitch and what is expected of him«.
On Berbatov stepping up to take the spot kick:
«It’s normal that Berbatov would take the responsibility, as he’s scored many penalties in his career«.
On his own choices:
«In football, there are no goals scored if previously there are no errors made. All three goals we conceded were ridiculous, we reacted like a children’s squad. I always pick the best 11 for my line-ups. It’s mind-boggling but I strive to choose the best 11 at any given time«.
On the substitutions he made:
«I believe that I was spot on with my substitutions. After analyzing the situation, I can say that those who came in helped us. But I still can’t believe what happened after our 3-2 lead and the penalty we wasted. I don’t believe that the substitutions were our problem. Klaus was introduced in order to add to our attack and Tziolis retreated to defence. Our mentality was off from the start. Some players are not in form, others believe themselves better than they really are. I always choose the best 11 for each match. That might change only in case of fatigue«.
