Personal performance no solace for Hleb
Wednesday 10 December 2008
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Barcelona's impressive unbeaten run came to an end against Shakhtar (©Getty Images)
FC Barcelona's performance in their final Group C game at Camp Nou brought plenty of positive moments despite a 3-2 defeat in a thrilling contest against FC Shakhtar Donetsk. But Aleksandr Hleb spoke for the entire squad when he admitted the disappointment and bitter taste which losing for the first time in 21 Liga, Copa del Rey and UEFA Champions League matches brought them.
Missed chances
Hleb himself was culpable for none of the three goals which brought the Ukrainian champions, and their 63-year-old coach Mircea Lucescu, a first victory in Spain. Indeed the Belarussian gave a sparkling display full of quick-footed dribbling, powerful runs and, generally, work which took the pressure off the young and inexperienced home side. Yet he was displeased with the result and not consoled by his own performance. "If you lose then it doesn't feel good even if you've played well," he confirmed. "I didn't particularly think they were better than us and we should probably have made more of the chances we had – that's one lesson for us to learn. It's disappointing to lose after playing quite well but we know we made some mistakes too."
Still learning
Following Hleb's convincing match the previous weekend in the 4-0 victory over Valencia CF, Matchday 6 was further evidence that the summer signing from Arsenal FC is growing in confidence and beginning to punch his weight. "It's still a very different style of play here compared to Arsenal and I'm continuing to learn," explained the 27-year-old. "All I need is more and more games which help your rhythm and continue the process of improving." Defeat against Shakhtar made no difference to Barça's leadership in the section and now the 2006 champions go into the draw with the advantage of playing their rivals away first before returning to Camp Nou for the decisive leg. Does Hleb have a preference? "No," is his first offering, before breaking into a huge grin and deciding: "Arsenal?"
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