Former defender of Kyiv "Dynamo" Oleg Kuznetsov told what he expects from the confrontation between Shakhtar Donetsk and French "Rennes" in the 1/16 finals of the Europa League.
“I watched the match between Rennes and Toulouse, when the Pitmen's future opponent lost 0:3, then 1:3. But in European competitions everything will be different. Anyway, it should be like this...
Although, Rennes may dream of participating in the Champions League next season, and the French championship will be a priority for them, in which they need to climb higher in the standings. Who knows... Therefore, recent losses in Ligue 1 are not an indicator. Rennes recently played against Dynamo Kyiv and liked it very much, they are a good team.
As for the training camp, Shakhtar had a good rest - for a month, and carried out their usual training, during which it is quite normal to have five friendly matches. I know that Nazarina, Shved and Ocheretko are in the infirmary, but they are not the main performers. I am glad that Traore started to score, who after the injury is gradually coming to his senses. For him it is very important.
Krivtsov's departure is a minor loss. There is someone to play in the center of Shakhtar's defense, and Kryvtsov is already quite an old performer, he has rarely taken the field lately. But the sale of Mudrik is a really tangible loss. But it should be borne in mind that the departure of one footballer, even such a talented one, has never been a disaster for a good team.
Forecast for the first match? I would risk betting on the success of Shakhtar - 2:0," Kuznetsov said.