FCSB head coach Elias Charalambous reacted to the 2-0 defeat his side suffered at the hands of Manchester United in their final Europa League group stage clash.
The Romanian champions held their own in the first half at the National Arena but were undone after the break when Diogo Dalot fired the Red Devils into the lead.
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Just eight minutes later, midfielder Kobbie Mainoo doubled the advantage, leaving the SuperLiga side with little chance of a comeback.
"As we knew from the beginning, it was going to be a very difficult match. It was very difficult," Charalambous told DigiSport per Prosport.
"In the first half we defended well, we didn't give the opponent many chances. In the second half we gave more space, we could have conceded more goals. They are a top opponent, one of the biggest teams in the world.
"We had a plan, it worked out pretty well in the first half. We knew we had to suffer. These teams don't need many chances to score.
"They changed at halftime, they introduced high-quality players. These teams suffer until they manage to score the first goal.
"Then, you give them space, you try to equalize and it's easier for them."
"Manchester United was better, it's a deserved victory," the manager added.
Despite the setback, Charalambous praised his players for their performances in the competition so far, with FCSB securing a place in the Europa League knockout play-offs.
"We also have positive things after this match. It was a chance to qualify for the top eight, something that some probably didn't even dream of at the beginning of the group.
"I'm proud of the players, what they've done so far this season."
"I thank the boys for what they do for this club. Whatever the opponent, we will behave the same way," the Cypriot coach added.
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