Former Dynamo Kyiv midfielder and now famous Ukrainian coach Serhiy Kovalets shared his reaction to yesterday's draw for the Europa League 1/16 finals, which allocated French Marseille as Shakhtar Donetsk's opponents at this stage of the tournament.
- I think the draw is good. "Marseille" is a team you can play with, you can win. It is important to prepare well, to study the opponent. "Marseille" is among those teams from which fans always demand maximum results, but the slightest difficulties lead to great pressure on the players and coaching staff. I don't rule out underestimation on the part of the Provençals.
- Is it easier for our players to adjust to opponents with big names?
- "Shakhtar have already done a great job, presenting a football Eurospring at this most difficult time for the country. It is important that the Pitmen add to our European coefficients, keep the brand of domestic football. I believe they will do everything possible to go as far as possible.
- How do you assess the chances?
- 50/50. But if we had no war, if we played at home, the chances would be 55-45 in favour of the Pitmen.
- Shakhtar may come out of the winter holiday without Sudakov, who is being hunted by Juventus. Give your forecast for the development of this transfer.
- "Shakhtar is a European club, which builds its work as a business project. The club is focused on results and financial profit. The decision on transfers is made by the management. In my opinion, both the club itself, Sudakov and the Ukrainian national team can benefit from the transfer to Juventus.
Remember Shevchenko, who moved to Serie A at the age of 22 and became the owner of the Golden Ball. Why shouldn't Sudakov repeat this path?
Serhiy Sytnik