Renowned coach and expert Oleh Fedorchuk has spoken about his thoughts on Shakhtar's defensive moves after defender Yaroslav Rakitskiy returned to the team.
Oleg Fedorchuk- "Shakhtar take good care of the players who have been playing in the team for a long time. Most likely, it was the club's initiative to invite Rakitskiy. And Igor Jovicevic is not a coach experienced enough. I think he does not have the unquestioned authority with the players. It was noticeable at the pre-season training camp that a group of players do not understand the requirements of the coaching staff.
I think the head coach uses Rakitskiy on the field, relying more on his authority among Shakhtar's players. Naturally, someone will have to suffer in this process. It turns out that Matviyenko suffers, who is forced to play on the flank. At the same time, Nikolay's transfer fee will drop.
He will be much cheaper as a left-back than as a centre-back. On the wing you need dribbling, more intensive work from the player. In this situation, I see a conflict of interest between the coach and the player - in this case, Matvienko.
The coach and the club must remember that by using an older player, they inhibit the development of young players in that position. Young players are less motivated to develop. A sports director is needed to help make the right choice in such a situation.
The Ukraine national team could also suffer because Matvienko is a national team player, unlike Rakitskiy.
I think that Rakitskiy was invited to Shakhtar specifically for the Ukrainian league. It's unlikely they will use him in the starting line-up in the Champions League," Fedorchuk said.
