Former Dynamo forward Viktor Leonenko shared his opinion on the results of the Champions League group stage draw, where Shakhtar got Real, Leipzig and Celtic.
Viktor Leonenko— Viktor Evgenievich, what can you say about the draw? What will Shakhtar expect in this group?
- It will be very difficult for the miner with all the opponents. With Real Madrid, it will not be like before. The Madrid club has definitely not become weaker, while Shakhtar has weakened. Even Trubin will be hard to save.
Leipzig will not be easy either. I think the German club will still beat Shakhtar twice. Probably, Shakhtar will fight with Celtic for third place, and it is not a fact that they will win this fight. The Scots are cup teams.
Unfortunately, the rivals will have the initiative, not Shakhtar.
- How many points can Shakhtar score in this group?
- It's not about how many points you get, but I would like to become third.
- Can Shakhtar shoot in this Champions League like Sheriff did last year?
- "Sheriff" fired not only because Vernidub was there (although that's also why), but because the team played together for a long time. And Shakhtar have been training with this squad for only three months. In this regard, it is much more difficult for the Pitmen than for Sheriff. It is necessary to set up the fans that Shakhtar will have a hard time in the Champions League, just like Dynamo in the Europa League - no matter who gets caught.
I hope everyone will cheer for Shakhtar, otherwise we risk sliding down the club rankings. If they get into the Europa League, it will be great for Shakhtar. But no matter how it gets even worse when they lose. And they will lose. The main thing is to play in such a way that you are not ashamed.
For Shakhtar, in any case, the performance will not be a failure, because most of the players and Jovićević will play in the Champions League for the first time. So far, Shakhtar have excuses. What can be demanded from football players who have only been together for three months?
- Who do you think Shakhtar's players should prove themselves in this Champions League?
— To be honest, I will be glad to anyone. I would like Mudrik to finally show himself, because they made a star out of him, but he is not one yet.
- Is Mudrik able to pull Shakhtar out of this group?
- Of course not! How can he pull it out? Look how many goals and assists he has scored in our championship. For now, he can only run away, and that's if they let him. Closed the zone - and Mudrik is gone!
Most likely, this will be the case in the Champions League. But I will only be glad if Mudryk shoots and confirms that he is the leader of Shakhtar. Eurocups are a platform. If he played well, then they can also sell.
Andrey PISKUN
