Shakhtar Donetsk boss Igor Jovicevic has praised Ange Postecoglou’s side for their performance in Wednesday evening’s 1-1 draw between the teams.
The Ukrainian side has made a strong start to the UEFA Champions League group stage, having defeated RB Leipzig 4-1 in Germany last week.
Last night, Shakhtar kicked off their first home game of the competition, being played in Poland, as Ange Postecoglou’s side travelled to Warsaw.
It ended with a spare of the spoils between the Hoops and Shakhtar, with Jovicevic’s side sitting nicely on four points after two games.
However, on the basis of play during Wednesday’s game, it is fair to say that the home side should feel a little fortunate to come away with a point.
The Bhoys put in a dominant display on the night and had plenty of chances to secure all three points. But, they couldn’t convert and were wasteful in front of goal.
Speaking in the aftermath of the 1-1 draw, Igor Jovicevic was full of praise for Postecoglou’s side, lauding the Hoops’ aggression and pressing throughout.
He said [The Herald]: “This was one of the most important games for at least 20 years. It was a great game, very dynamic. Celtic are very dynamic, very aggressive, they move very fast, and we knew that we would be facing aggressive pressing from their side.
“If you look at the way they played against Real Madrid, yes, Real Madrid won 3-0, but for the first 60 minutes, Celtic were actually dominating. That is not by chance; it is the way they play.
“They are very experienced and a very strong team. They are super fast and a super aggressive team, and we knew exactly what we were about to face. The pressing, especially in the beginning, was incredible.
“We tried to hold them off, and we failed; they did score a goal, but then we felt the support given to us by the fans, and that was incredible.”
He continued: “The game was a very good experience. Yes, they gave us a very hard time but don’t forget we were supported by 40 million fans in Ukraine, and we did score a point, and we did take two points away from Celtic, and we did score a goal.
“This game is something to be really proud about. This game has shown our character and what we are capable of.
“We turned the impossible into possible; we turned the improbable into probable. This was quite a game to be proud about.”
Igor Jovicevic’s reaction to a point says all you need to know about Celtic’s performance in Poland
The Croatian boss’ reaction to the result says all you need to know about last night’s game, with Jovicevic seemingly delighted to grab a point from the outing.
Celtic dominated proceedings for the majority of the 90 minutes, barring a short spell in the first half, which Shakhtar was able to take advantage of.
Of course, credit should go to Jovicevic and his players for their part in securing another positive result for the Ukrainian side to start the Champions League group stage.
However, all three points really should have been coming back to Glasgow, and it is a lesson that the Bhoys will need to learn going forward.
Despite the frustration of the result, it is great to hear Ange Postecoglou and his players receiving high praise from different European teams and managers.
But, I am sure those involved at Celtic won’t be too bothered by what is being said and are more interested in improving and picking up points against their opponents in the Champions League.
In other news, Postecoglou provides positive outlook to Shakhtar draw as Celtic boss insists results will come.
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