Famous Ukrainian coach Yuriy Virt told us what he expects from today's match of the 6th round of the Champions League group stage between Porto and Shakhtar.
Yuriy Wirth- The fact that Porto is the favourite is quite logical. But Shakhtar, in its current state, will be able to impose a fight on this team to reach the last 16 of the Champions League.
This is the prestige of the club and a good financial gain (reaching the last 16 will bring the club an additional €9.6 million - ed.) If you have a chance, you need to set maximum goals. There is time to prepare well, show a good game and get a result.
A lot will depend on the goalkeeper. Riznyk will have a lot of work to do. Sikan can improve his statistics in the Champions League if he takes advantage of his chances.
- Perhaps a bird in the hand is better: The Europa League and more points in Ukraine's coefficient box?
- And where is the guarantee that Shakhtar will be able to go through at least a few rounds in the Europa League? The players understand perfectly well that they need to cling to the Champions League to the last, and if they fail, they need to think about the Europa League.
- What do you think of Shakhtar's performance under Pushic? Can you already see the Bosnian's handwriting?
- I can't say that Shakhtar's game has changed dramatically. From the players' interviews, we can see that the microclimate within the team has changed.
In terms of the game, the team is relaxed in a good way. They have returned to playing with ball control. I like the way Shakhtar are working in defence now, if we put the match against Dnipro-1 (1-3) aside. The team played very competently and disciplined against Dynamo (1-0), Barcelona (1-0), Polissya (0-0), and Metalist 1925 (2-0).
I cannot say that the team has started to create many chances. In my opinion, this aspect will be addressed during the winter training camp. I would like Shakhtar to create even more chances and convert them.
I believe that Shakhtar look at a good level overall. They are among the leaders in terms of points lost in the UPL. In the Champions League, they have guaranteed themselves a European spot. We shouldn't forget that Shakhtar have a lot of young players who can play well in one game and be invisible in the next. It all comes with experience. I cannot say that there is a player who fails the season. It is normal.
- What can today's Shakhtar offer their opponents?
- If you recall the first match, everything was businesslike. Now Shakhtar play more disciplined. There are not many chances at their goal. Definitely, we need to work hard in defence, not let them create chances easily and look for our chances up front.
I really like the way Shakhtar use the space well for quick attacks and pose a serious threat to the opposition. Shakhtar won't have many chances, so we need to make the most of what we have. With the help of luck, everything can turn out quite optimistically
- Can Shakhtar surprise Porto by not being able to read their opponents?
- I think not. "Porto are closely watching Shakhtar, so there will be no surprises.
- What is your prediction for the match?
- I will say that Shakhtar will draw. God willing, they will win. Now they have tasted victories at that level, they have gained confidence. "Porto is the favourite, that's for sure. I am inclined to believe that the teams will play 1-1. I want to make a mistake and let Shakhtar advance to the last 16 of the Champions League.
Oleksandr Karpenko
