Former Dynamo Kyiv and Ukraine national team head coach Jozsef Szabo has expressed his opinion on the transfer of defender Dmytro Chygrynskiy to Shakhtar Donetsk.
József Szabo- Will Chygrynskiy strengthen the current Shakhtar?
- He will definitely not be able to strengthen Shakhtar. I am not against Chygrynskiy, he was a good footballer, but he is already 36 years old. At this age, you lose speed and other qualities. Look at Ronaldo and Messi, they now play only due to their skills, and so - they walk. This is not Mbappe, who can run at speed.
I don't think Shakhtar will sign Chygrynskiy, and if they do, it will be as a sign of respect for the former player, as it happened with Yarmolenko and Rakitskiy.
- At 36, will Chygrynskiy pull Shakhtar's level or is he more considered as a reserve player?
- I don't know why Shakhtar need Chygrynskiy. There is already one age player in the defence - Rakitskiy. Where else can we get another one?! 36 years old is a lot, especially for centre-backs. You lose speed, attention, and there is no way out of it.
Shakhtar have young guys, the same Kozik. We need to slowly let them into the centre-backs, bring them up, so that they gain experience.
- Is Chygrynskiy stronger or weaker than Matviyenko, Bondar, Rakitskiy?
- I think, because of his age, Dima is now weaker than these defenders, although I am not happy about Matvienko either. How many people were talking about Matviyenko's transfer, but nobody bought him, because his level is low. I think Mykola will end up at Shakhtar.
As for Chygrynskiy, he will still be able to play in the Ukrainian league, but not in the Champions League. He simply won't be able to catch up with anyone there. Imagine how Mbappe will drive Chygrynskiy. He simply will not be able to keep up with him. I think Chygrynskiy will sit on the bench, sometimes coming on as a substitute in the championship.
- According to TaToTake, Chygrynskiy's invitation was Srna's idea. Will it not happen that Dmytro will be signed without van Leeuwen's knowledge and it will affect the coach's attitude towards him?
- I think this transfer will not pass Shakhtar president by, and he will consult van Leeuwen in any case.
- If not Shakhtar, what club and championship will suit Chygrynskiy?
- Nobody will pay him the kind of money he used to get, except somewhere in the Middle East. 36 years old is a lot, and not only for Chygrynskiy, but also for Messi and Ronaldo. At this age it's time to finish, and they want to still play.
Andriy PISKUN
