Former football player and coach, Dynamo brand ambassador Leonid Buryak commented on the results of the European Cup playoff draw for Ukrainian Shakhtar and Dnipro-1.
Leonid Buryak (photo: A. Ustimenko)— These opponents are quite tough for our teams. But it is very important that all Ukrainian clubs return to a normal working rhythm. I think that both Shakhtar and Dnipro-1 are favorites in the confrontation with Rennes and AEK.
— Rennes and AEK Cypriot have already played with Ukrainian teams in the current European Cup campaign...
- Yes, the same AEK made a good impression in the matches with Dynamo Kyiv, and was able to beat the people of Kiev. Perhaps, AEK was a little lucky in the confrontation with Dynamo, but in general it is a very experienced team led by a Spanish coach. And this is no longer the Cypriot football that I encountered during my playing career.
As for Rennes, they are capable of beating any team in European competitions. This is a very qualified team, whose football is interesting to watch. Rennes needs to win and get as far as possible in the Europa League, because for them it's a business - then they profitably sell their best performers.
— Are personnel losses possible in winter to complicate the task for Shakhtar and Dnipro-1?
- Transfers of Mudrik and Dovbik are possible - these are just words so far ... Yes, serious clubs are interested in them, and Shakhtar announced their desire to get 50-60 million euros for Mudrik, but there is still no specifics. I think that these guys should be allowed to go to top clubs. On the other hand, it seems to me that at first the same Mudrik and Dovbik should do something significant for their clubs and the country, and only then go abroad. And it turns out that the players score 15-20 goals and everyone is already on their way... Of course, the loss of players from the Ukrainian national team will weaken both the Pitmen and Dnipro.
— Shakhtar and Dnipro-1 will have to play in the European Cup playoffs already in February. Will this be a problem again?
— Of course, it was always difficult for our clubs to play in February. It is not known where Shakhtar and Dnipro-1 will play their home matches against Rennes and AEK. In Poland, in February, the weather can be unfavorable, and the fields are far from being in the best condition. It is difficult to say something about the option with Romania, for example, or Turkey ... This is a difficult logistics - it is not known whether these countries will agree to host the European Cup matches of the Ukrainians.
— What are the chances of the Pitmen and Dnipro to reach the next stage of the Europa League and the Conference League?
- I have already noted that our clubs are favorites in their pairs. But their rivals are difficult. Therefore, it will be difficult not only for Shakhtar, but also for Dnipro-1. One can only hope for the experience gained by the teams of Jovićević and Kučer in the autumn European Cup campaign and character.
Oleg Semenchenko
