Renowned football expert Oleksandr Sopko reflected on the appointment of Marino Pushic as head coach of Shakhtar Donetsk.
Alexander Sopko- Now that Shakhtar have appointed a new head coach, they need to form a staff - with an interpreter, of course. But it is more desirable that the coach knows the language. I think that Marino Pušić understands everything, and Dario Srna will be there to help him. In addition, Pušić, as a person from the south, will be more open in communication.
This, I think, is the main emphasis. Dutch football is peculiar, with good physical fitness, pressure, discipline, that is, everything that Shakhtar currently lacks. Yes, Patrick van Leeuwen is also a Dutchman, but he did not manage the process well.
Pushic can be and should be different, a kind of soul of the team, a bridge between the players and the club's management. For example, like Viktor Prokopenko was - open and sincere. The team needs an attentive teacher. Marino Pušić immediately dived into work, appeared not only at Shakhtar's training sessions, but also on the coaching bench, was active, communicated a lot with the players.
I expect more from the European Cup matches than from the Ukrainian league matches. It is important to see whether there will be changes in tactics and line-up. It is important to see how quickly Pušić can spot problems and solve them. If we see all of this, it will be clear that Shakhtar already feel the coach's hand, the handwriting of Marino Pushic. If not, the recovery process will be long..." the expert said.
