In an interview with UPL TV, former Shakhtar player Oleg Matveyev shared his impressions of the Pitmen's game in the first part of the Ukrainian league and made his forecast for the rest of this season.
Photo: O. Vasylieva- The team lacks stability and has not been able to fully define the pattern of play. The second round of the UPL will be very interesting, this year 3-4 teams will be fighting for the championship until the last round.
- Is it already possible to define Pushic's football at Shakhtar?
- Controlling the ball, not rushing, delivering the ball to the flanks, trying to develop a quick attack and, in the final phase, making a cross into the central area to finish. "Shakhtar traditionally likes this kind of football.
- Which of his predecessors at Shakhtar can you compare this football to?
- It looks like the football De Zerbi wanted to play.
- If you look at Shakhtar's results, you might think that the team is becoming quite pragmatic. What's the matter?
- In every league match, they consistently have 3-4 very decent chances, including Zubkov and Sikan. But perhaps it's a lack of skill in the final phase. In addition, it's not like they score one goal and retreat to their own half - on the contrary, they constantly try to attack further. There are still some players who have not played under this coach, it will take time.
- Which of Shakhtar's players has made the most progress during this period?
- Zubkov has become the leader of the team, without him it's a different Shakhtar, just like without Sudakov. Kryskiv also opened up for me. Sikan scored a lot of important goals in the CL. It's a pity that Kashchuk and Topalov don't get much time to prove themselves. I'm sure they would be useful to the team.
- Do you think that Shakhtar's players have different attitudes to league and Champions League matches?
- 100%. I know from experience that the mood can really be different. But football is made up of little things, you need to give your best in all tournaments, otherwise there may be problems in the standings.
- How do you see the UPL top four at the end of the season?
- Shakhtar, Dynamo, Kryvbas and Dnipro-1 will also be in the top four.
