Andriy Vorobey: "The game against Porto will be harder for Shakhtar than against Barcelona"

Former Ukraine forward Andriy Vorobey shared his expectations of the Porto vs Shakhtar Champions League match in an interview with the UPL TV telegram channel.

- We have hope, and the team has a chance to continue playing in the Champions League, so why not try to take advantage of it? Even though on paper, Porto have more chances of qualifying.

- Shakhtar only need to win, while Porto are happy with a draw. Can wesay that the Shakhtarplayershave a burden of responsibility?

- The players will feel responsible, but not a burden. Because in case of anything, no one will say a word to them. The team got 9 points and surprised many people.

- What kind of game should we expect in Portugal?

- It will be a very difficult game for Shakhtar, harder than the one against the current Barcelona. The specifics of Porto's game are not pleasant for the Pitmen.

- Who will have the initiative?

- "Porto will try to impose their game, put pressure and dominate. It will all depend on how cool our players are and how well they manage to break out of defence. At times, this element has been very good for the Miners in recent matches. Therefore, the most important thing is to avoid individual mistakes. We also have high hopes for our speedy players - Sudakov, Zubkov, Kryskiv - to run away and find their moment.

- How ready is Shakhtar for this match, given the recent matches in the UPL?

- There are both worrying and positive aspects. But in general, I believe that in this context, we cannot start from the domestic league, because the level is significantly different from the CL.

- How predictable does Shakhtar's starting line-up look ahead of the game?

- About 95 per cent. The only question is which of the four will play in the triangle in the centre of the pitch - Stepanenko, Bondarenko, Kryskiv and Sudakov. I would not write off Nazarina either, I like this guy.

- And what about the centre of defence?

- I am waiting for Bondar and Matvienko there. I really hope that our speedy defenders with hot Georgian blood will play as strictly as possible in defence.