Shanghai SIPG coach Sven Goran Eriksson says he was happy with his team’s performance against Melbourne Victory, despite a 2-1 loss in their first AFC Champions League game.
It was ultimately a nip and tuck contest but the hosts prevailed, though not without controversy. The result could have gone either way, with possession shared evenly throughout the match.
“It was a good football match, I didn’t think we deserved to lose if you look at how we played, they were very good for the first 15 minutes of the game,” Eriksson said.
“Five games to go, I think we’ll go better and better because I think the conditions will be better, but we.”
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A contentious moment came when the scoreline was tied at 1-1, Elkeson found the back of the net only to be disallowed because of a second ball on the pitch.
The Swedish manager was confused, Eriksson who is 68 said he had never encountered something like that in his career.
“I think the ball has been there for a long time,” he said.
“You have the referee and three assistants.
“I don’t know, I’ve never seen it happen in football before but I don’t know.”
Despite a deflating loss, Eriksson was gracious in defeat and very upbeat, respectful to the way Victory took it to the Chinese side.
“They physically are a very good team, very good in counter attacks and pressing but I think after 15 minutes,” he said.
“We handled it very well and we played as well and handled moments better than we did.
“Even we lost, I’m really happy about the performance.
“We’re long time playing good football and create chances, so not bad even we lost.”
Shanghai only made the one change in the game, substituting Asamoah Gyan off for Lu Wenjun.
Asamoah was stretchered-off due to a groin injury and Eriksson defended his decision to let 10 men field a full game.
“I thought we played rather good football, I didn’t want to disturb anything, it was good for the players to get 90 minutes and we will be better,” he said.
“It’s only one week to the next game so I don’t worry about fatigue.”
Shanghai SIPG meet Suwon Bluewings at home next Wednesday for their second game in the ACL.
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