Goalkeeper and captain of Kharkiv "Metalist" Oleksandr Rybka shared his thoughts on his team's match with Shakhtar Donetsk in the 5th round of the Ukrainian championship, which will take place today in Lviv.
Oleksandr Rybka— Oleksandr, does the team feel any special tension, given that they will face Shakhtar?
— Three points are given for a win over any team, so we are preparing for this opponent like any other. But everyone understands that the game will be interesting, we have been preparing for it for two weeks. I believe that our team is in good condition now. And on Saturday, on the field, we will try to give 100 percent and get the result that all Kharkiv fans are waiting for.
— You played for Shakhtar back in the day. Are there any special feelings about this before meeting with your former club?
— Of course, there are certain emotions, because I spent a good part of my career in this team, played in the Champions League. Therefore, I am very interested to meet this opponent now. Well, I, too, will do my best to ensure that our team finishes this game positively.
— What can you say about today's Shakhtar? Do you think the miners have changed their usual play style after the loss of the legionnaires?
- Of course. A new coaching staff has arrived and their style of play has changed a bit. They have young promising football players who play for the youth and national teams of Ukraine. For us, there will also be a small test of strength against the background of a team participating in the Champions League.
— Did the long break in the championship somehow affect our team?
— A new player Ihor Tchaikovsky came to us. I think we did a good job playing two friendlies. The coaching staff had a schedule and we followed it. I believe that we are 100 percent ready for the meeting.
