Lucescu thinks about Istanbul

The veteran coach had already been linked with a return to the city, where he enjoyed success with both Galatasaray and Beşiktaş, before guiding Shakhtar to a 2-1 extra-time win over Werder Bremen on Wednesday.

His reputation burnished further among locals after making Shakhtar the first Ukrainian team to win the UEFA Cup, Lucescu confirmed he was interested in another stint in Turkish football - just not yet. "I had a good time at Galatasaray and I had a good time at Beşiktaş," Lucescu said yesterday. "I have good relations even with Fenerbahçe supporters.

I think sometimes about returning to Turkey but I am not sure when." Lucescu, popular with city rivals Galatasaray and Beşiktaş after winning the national league with both, said he first wants to stay at least another year at Shakhtar. "We have bigger aims," Lucescu said. "We now want to do things in the Champions League: reach the quarterfinals, maybe the semifinals."

Key to that aim will be keeping hold of the five Brazilian players that inspired Wednesday's triumph, with attacking midfielders Willian, Jadson and Ilsinho in support of lone striker Adriano. "I am very happy for my young Brazilian players because maybe now people will know them and hopefully (national coach) Dunga has seen them," Lucescu said. "I hope no young players leave this team because we have bigger objectives."