The head coach of Shakhtar, Ihor Jovichevich, talked about the team's performances in the Champions League, while a full-scale war continues in Ukraine.
Ihor Jovyevich (photo: shakhtar.com)— A part of you is constantly focused on Ukraine. If it were not for the Armed Forces, who are fighting so bravely, we would not have been able to represent Ukraine on the biggest football stage - the Champions League. I have a relationship with Ukraine for a long time. I love Ukrainians and their mentality. I identify myself as one of them. There is an energy and a synergy that drives us forward. Moving to Shakhtar was crucial in my life. I have no fear of failure. It just drives me forward and forces me to be creative.
It's one thing to be a good person, another to be a quality football player. At this level, you can feel the difference in quality. I think that the motivation of football players is multiplied by their talent. Most of the team's players have never performed at this level, and neither have I. It was unknown how we would face the Champions League. We play at the highest level, on the biggest stage. I think we compensated for our lack of experience with desire, compactness, team energy and spirit, Jovicjevic said.
