The head coach of Dutch Feyenoord Arne Sloth told what he expects from the return match between his team and Shakhtar Donetsk in the 1/8 finals of the Europa League to be held today in Rotterdam. Recall, the first meeting between the rivals ended in a draw, 1-1.
"If we manage to reach the quarterfinals of the Europa League, it will be a great achievement for Feyenoord.
The first match might have left the impression that Shakhtar are not very good. But I, of course, do not think so. This is a very strong opponent, which moved to the Europa League from the Champions League, knocking out Rennes.
And most importantly: in comparison with the first game against us, Shakhtar will greatly enhance their squad - three defensive players who missed the first meeting due to disqualification will return to it at once. Therefore, this time it will be more difficult for Feyenoord than last week.
Especially since in the first game against Shakhtar we did almost everything right. I watched the game twice, and I can say that both in terms of pressing and handling the ball we were excellent. Despite that, we only got a draw. This means that in the return match we have to be at least as good to expect overall success," Sloth said at the pre-match press conference.