Cristian Stellini
Were you frustrated with how your team didn’t make their extra man count at all after the first red card?
I think we didn’t lead the game after the red card. We had the chance to control the game better than we did. Because you have one extra player you have to lead the game, move the ball side by side. But sometimes we were rushed, frantic. We have to improve in this aspect, we know vey well. It’s a long process, we don’t change it in one night. We change it in a long process.
Why was there a failure to control the game after going ahead?
Keeping the ball, moving the ball quickly and finding the space to attack. This is the way we play the game with an extra man – you have to do much better. It’s about intention to keep the ball, to wait to find the right moment to score. We had some chances but we didn’t find the way to score. It’s ok, but also you need players ready to move and to respect the plan. The plan was clear in my idea, and with one extra player we can do it better than this, absolutely.
You and Ryan Mason both looked very frustrated trying to talk to the players and get them to stick to the plan, what was the issue?
It’s not easy to speak with a player, but it’s about their feeling into the pitch. We knew very well the strongest skill of this team – long ball, second balls and set-pieces were aspects we needed to take care. We did well for all the game, but 11 players you have to control the game with the ball. We have to do it 11 against 11 but when you have a team like this in their stadium it’s never easy. With 11 against 10 it has to be easier than this. We were struggling to find the right way to speak to the players to find the right solution to keep them calm. You have to be calm within the game, you have to have control, to be calm. You have to be lucid. This is what we tried to do with the players.
What did you make of both red cards?
Both were red cards. The tackle of Lucas was dangerous and [Doucoure’s] hand was clearly in the face of Harry. I was very close to the situation and it was a clear red card.
Did Lucas say anything to the team after the game?
No, he was disappointed. For sure he was disappointed. This type of tackle you don’t want to be dangerous but it was an unpredictable tackle. The ball was there, you try to take the ball and you find the leg of the player. This is a red card because it is dangerous.
Do you think it was a technical thing or an attitude thing that the players can’t execute the plan once ahead?
I think we played a good match because the plan was good and we played a good first half, we started the game well, but against this type of team they are very direct. You have to be strong in this aspect and you have to find the right solution. We found a good solution to cross and we arrived well into their box. After this you have to find a way to score. The approach was good, the plan was good and the players respected the plan. The only problem is when you’re looking to find a way to score and you’re leading 1-0, you have one extra player, you have to be much more lucid in the way you keep the ball.
Danjuma is one player. We obviously have three important players up front and today we used Lucas and then when we had 10 players after the red card we couldn’t change. Danjuma is a good player, his effort is fine. We are happy with him. He just needs to wait for his time because in our squad it’s not easy to play in the front three. It’s not easy for him. We understand him but we are happy.
The Everton fans were unhappy with Harry Kane, calling him a cheat, what did you make of that?
The fans are normal. They are unhappy but in my opinion it was a clear red card. It happens sometimes. It is normal. With the fans, you have to realise the situation. Also if the fans are unhappy, the decision was taken and I think it was a good decision.
