Oleksandr Golovko: "I have no questions about Shakhtar's defensive line-up

Oleksandr Golovko, a famous Ukrainian coach and former defender for FC Dynamo Kyiv and the Ukrainian national team, has shared his thoughts on Shakhtar Donetsk's defensive game.

- Why do you think that since Rakitskiy's return to Shakhtar, Matvienko has been playing at left-back more often? Is it an attempt by Jovicevych to put Yaroslav in the squad by all means or is this combination really better for the team?

- Shakhtar are in first place in the Ukrainian league, so there is nothing surprising here. The combination of players, which leads to the result, is quite logical. Especially given Rakitskiy's experience. It is enough for the Ukrainian championship. We even saw him score with his back in European competitions.

Rakitskiy's experience is key. Therefore, I have no questions about Shakhtar's defensive line-up currently used by Jovicevic.

- Compare the playing qualities of Matvienko and Rakitskiy - who has better tackling, passing, who reads the game better, who is more speedy?

- Speaking specifically about defensive performance, Matviyenko is better. Rakitskiy is a player who is better at starting attacks. He has a good first pass. In terms of Jaroslav's one-on-one work, in terms of speed - of course, there are questions about him. Rakitskiy brings experience and the right choice of position.

Football is not an individual sport, but a team sport. But I think the combination of Rakitskiy in the centre and Matvienko on the flank - is quite acceptable for the Ukrainian championship. A player like Rakitskiy is in any case a bonus for Jovicevic. He is ready to fight on the pitch, wrestle for every ball. It is very important for a coach.

On the left side Shakhtar have Bohdan Mykhailychenko, but he is more of an attacking rather than defensive player. Matviyenko can fill this position. He started as a left-back, he also played in this position for me in the Ukraine youth team. He has a bright head, a good left foot. Matvienko feels relatively comfortable both in the centre and on the flank.

- How important is it for a centre-back to play in the centre and with one constant partner? Don't Jovicevic's shifts lead to a lack of continuity in defence?

- At trainings the coaches change the combination of players in positions every day. I think that all these moments in the team are voiced and worked out. Especially with the experience that Rakitskiy has - it is not a problem. It's easier for Bondar to play alongside him - he has an experienced partner with whom he can play and who can give him advice.

- Shouldn't Jovicevic try a scheme with three central defenders and two players on the wing?

- There are some basic things that the coach wants to see. If we talk about the Ukrainian championship, it is one scheme for the games against the opponents, who are lower in the standings, while it can be different for the games against the leaders.

Of course, Iovych may try to play three central defenders. But it will take time to adopt a new set-up. Footballers are not robots. It's one thing when there are three centre-backs behind a defensive midfielder, he might as well make some mistakes. But on the other hand, in this scheme it's important how the wingers work on the flanks. Variation in the scheme is when the coach has a set of players for different tactics. If you don't have the right players, the tactics will be simplified. It's hard for me to answer for Jovicevic on this issue.