Famous Ukrainian coach Oleksandr Babych has told us what he thinks about yesterday's match of the 4th round of the Champions League group stage between Shakhtar Donetsk and Spanish Barcelona (1-0).
Alexander Babich. Photo - Yu.Yuriev- This is certainly a sensation, but not an accidental one, " Babic said. - Taking into account the Pitmen's previous encounter in Barcelona, as well as the Catalans' game against Real Sociedad, the coaching staff led by Marino Pusic chose the right tactics, according to which the main focus was on the need to take the tournament points. Even a draw in this match would have been a significant achievement, while a win would have been a dream come true!
- So, the main merit in the victory over Barcelona belongs to Shakhtar's new coach?
- In Shakhtar's previous games, the team did not have the right balance between defence and attack - I mean the transition from defence to attacking phase. Against the Catalans, the Pitmen played aggressively in tackling and, first of all, it was done by the attacking players. The actions of Zubkov and Sudakov in the defensive phase were very qualitative and important. They supported the pressing very well. In general, the whole Shakhtar team worked confidently and correctly - without the ball and against the ball. Therefore, we can say that Pusic did a good coaching job in organising the game in defence.
- Did Xavi make a mistake with the choice of the starting line-up, who was forced to make four substitutions at the same time in the second half, replacing half the team?
- In the first match against Shakhtar in Spain, Barcelona had a lot of young players in the squad, and it was not a risk. In Hamburg, Xavi underestimated Shakhtar, hoping that his team would manage to score first, and then, they said, the Pitmen would open up and the matter could be completed. However, the Catalans failed to break down the opponents' defence. It turned out that Barcelona controlled the ball, while Shakhtar controlled the match. Still, I would like to once again recognise Shakhtar coach Marino Pusic. He chose the right tactics against an opponent who is of a higher class.
- What does the victory over Barcelona give Shakhtar in terms of standings, because before this game everyone was talking about the emphasis on the home game with Antwerp?
- I think it is clear to everyone that Shakhtar already have the third place - at least. At most, it is quite realistic for the Ukrainian representative to fight for second place in the group. Shakhtar demonstrated their ability to add to the game's organisation. From the 25th minute of the first half until the break, we saw the Shakhtar we want to see. The players, the coaching staff and the team's fans have learnt that it is possible to achieve results even in matches against such giants as Barcelona. Figuratively speaking, the bigger the cupboard, the louder it falls. This fall in Hamburg, after the game with Shakhtar, was very loud!
Semyon Semenchenko
