Former Shakhtar footballer Serhiy Yashchenko in an interview "TEAM1" told what he thinks about the prospects for holding the next championship of Ukraine.
Sergey Yashchenko- In your opinion, will it be possible to hold a full-fledged championship in Ukraine?
— This will be a real challenge for the organizers. After all, competitions will have to be held during martial law, especially since the Russian aggressor does not hesitate to attack civilian objects. Therefore, you will need to be very careful. Nevertheless, let's hope that by joint efforts we will be lucky to ensure the safety of the participants and the winners will be determined according to the sports principle. The only pity is the fans, who, after a short break, will again be deprived of the opportunity to attend calendar matches.
- Can the upcoming season become the most unpredictable since independence?
"I'm sure there won't be any surprises." The conditions will be dictated by the giants - Dynamo and Shakhtar. In my opinion, even the recent changes at the helm of the Pitmen will not help the pursuers get ahead of the Donetsk team. Although, in my opinion, if it weren’t for the war, Igor Jovićević would hardly have headed Shakhtar, because there are no significant victories in his coaching career. Now the Croatian specialist has the opportunity to prove that Shakhtar did not make a mistake with his appointment.
By the way, since our representatives in European competitions will play most of the home matches on the two "fronts" abroad, they will have the opportunity to add several foreign players and this will allow them to be in a somewhat advantageous position compared to other clubs.
- How much will the UPL level fall due to the current situation in the country?
— I'm not going to be the original. Of course, retreat will be difficult to avoid. And it's not just about staffing issues. Unfortunately, psychological pressure will also have a negative impact, the players will not work, they will also worry about the troubles that Ukraine has not escaped due to the Russian invaders. Nevertheless, let's hope that at least with the desire to play because I can't, the participants will be fine. Moreover, at stake is not only the laureate in the championship, but also the opportunity to be in the field of view of the coaching staff of the national team of Ukraine.
Vasily MIKHAILOV
