Former head coach of Lviv and Niva Ternopil Ihor Yavorsky analysed the chances of Shakhtar Donetsk and Porto in today's Champions League opener in a commentary for КОМАНДА1.
Igor Yavorsky- I won't be original when I say that at this stage there are simply no weak rivals. And Porto doesn't need any advertising, because it is a team with vast international experience, a real forge of football talent, where, after a profitable sale of leaders, they quickly find an equivalent replacement.
- But Shakhtar is also a team that has always played well in European competitions and, you see, at least in this aspect, the Pitmen are not too inferior to Porto...
- Yes, but there is one significant nuance here: "Shakhtar were strong, first of all, with their legionnaires. Unfortunately, because of the Russian aggression, famous foreigners have recently been reluctant to come to Ukraine. They rely mostly on promising youngsters. This, of course, made Shakhtar's position weaker.
- Then players with Ukrainian passports should take this opportunity and try to prove themselves in European competitions...
- I'm all for it, but the reality is that the level of our countrymen representing Shakhtar in the UPL leaves much to be desired. That is why it is difficult to expect them to take off in European competitions. Yes, Shakhtar are back among the leaders, but every victory is hard fought. So far, a long bench and slightly higher individual skills have helped them out... Remember how unconvincing the Pitmen looked in their last calendar match against Obolon, even when playing in the majority almost from the middle of the first half... And this is despite the fact that the level of the UPL is mediocre.
- So, today, Shakhtar shouldn't reinvent the wheel, as they say, but should take care of a reliable defence first and foremost?
- You're right, although I've noticed that Porto are struggling to score goals this season. Maybe this is just a chance for Shakhtar... To be patient when it's difficult, to stand firm and wait for an effective counterattack. Of course, the losses of Matvienko and Bondar in defence will be felt, but Donetsk must adjust and remember that Shakhtar have always been a "thunderstorm of authority" in the Champions League.
- What would you consider to be a positive outcome for Shakhtar in Hamburg?
- If there is a draw, it will be very good. Still, in my opinion, Porto and Barcelona are the main contenders to reach the next round. However, Shakhtar should not be underestimated, as I am convinced that they will fight to the end.
Vasyl Mikhailov
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