Renowned Ukrainian coach Yuriy Virt commented on the results of the Europa League last-16 draw for Shakhtar.
Yuriy Wirth- It's not the best option, but it's not the worst either. "Marseille are on a roll right now, but if Shakhtar retain their leaders, have a good preparatory period, and work productively in the transfer market, they have every chance of getting past the French club.
- Why is Marseille dangerous?
- At the beginning of the season, due to the charade on the coaching bridge, the performance of the "citizens" resembled riding a swing. The new manager, the Italian Gattuso, managed to stabilise the squad and passed on to his wards the intransigence he had when he took to the field. There are several leaders, in particular, the striker Aubameyang has become more demanding of himself and has started to score again. It is also necessary to single out the furious local fans who do not allow their team to relax for a moment. In the 2008-2009 season, I had the opportunity to see this when I was part of Shakhtar's delegation that played the UEFA Cup quarter-final match in Marseille. We won twice - 2-0 and 2-1 - and moved on, although, as I recall, it was very difficult.
- It was also the season when Shakhtar achieved the greatest success in the international arena, when they won the UEFA Cup in the final against German side Werder.
- Can history repeat itself? I really want Shakhtar to defeat Marseille again and claim the title of the strongest team in the Europa League.
