Former Ukraine striker Ivan Getsko shared his expectations from the Champions League match between Antwerp and Shakhtar.
Ivan Getsko- Recently, a lot of critical arrows have been fired at the Pitmen's new head coach Patrick van Leeuwen, saying that Shakhtar are not the same now. But it is not the Dutchman's fault that the Pitmen clearly overestimated their strengths. They started to consider themselves "stars" even earlier, so, as far as I am concerned, they have become less demanding. I wish them to gradually free themselves from illusions. They still have a long way to go to the top of sportsmanship.
However, it is possible that the Pitmen are still impressed by the fantastic transfer of their former teammate Mudryk to Chelsea, but it was obvious to many that he was not worth those millions. Now the Londoners' management have no choice but to console themselves with the predictions of ex-British football stars that Mudryk is a talent and will definitely prove himself.
- In your opinion, why is it increasingly difficult for Shakhtar to win even in the Ukrainian arena?
- There are no personalities. I don't even want to think about what will happen to the Pitmen's support zone when Stepanenko leaves the team. He is not eternal. There is also a lack of performers who can single-handedly decide the fate of the match. Therefore, it is difficult to predict how the Pitmen's next game in the UPL championship will end. There is no game.
- For now, Shakhtar have a Champions League test ahead of them - Antwerp, who are far inferior to the Pitmen in terms of European Cup experience.
- More importantly, the level of the Belgian elite division is now higher than in the UPL, which makes it easier for the Belgians to invite quality internationals. In Ukraine, because of Russian aggression, they are in no hurry. Therefore, Belgian teams are growing faster, and I consider Antwerp to be the favourite, especially as it will be supported by the home side.
Of course, it's good that Matvienko is back in action after an injury, but it's worrying that he missed a lot of time. I hope that tomorrow Stepanenko will set up his partners as for the final game, that Zubkov will make the Belgians think more about the backs with his raids, that the helmsman will surprise the home side. As for me, the main thing in Antwerp is not to lose, then there will still be hopes for the European Cup spring.
