Renowned Ukrainian coach Yuriy Virt has told us what he expects from the first match of the Europa League play-offs for the right to reach the last 16 between Shakhtar Donetsk and French side Marseille, which will take place in Hamburg today.
- The long winter break in the Ukrainian Premier League is definitely not good for Shakhtar. "Marseille have plenty of game practice now, and the French are in good shape.
Meanwhile, I want to believe that Shakhtar have also worked hard at the training camp and through the friendlies, so, although they should not be compared to the official matches, the players have also gained the necessary physical condition.
Before the game, the chances are 50-50, but it will be extremely difficult to get past Marseille in two matches. We need to do everything possible in the first game to win in order to have a handicap before the visit to France.
- Now, even if you just look at the results of Gennaro Gattuso's team and watch the match report, it becomes clear that they are in a long black streak, if not a crisis, then certainly a long black streak - five matches without a win.
- Shakhtar don't need to take Marseille's problems into account. They have a strong, experienced team. The French coach is a charismatic specialist and a great motivator. I'm sure that Gattuso will be able to set his players up for a fight in the locker room. Therefore, there should be no underestimation that the French are in crisis.
But I've read the latest news, and it seems that Gattuso's personal situation is not so smooth. Marseille's managers may not forgive him for the Europa League defeat, and they may even fire him.
Once again, Marseille is a serious club with a big name. They will play in the Europa League for a reason, given the standings in Ligue 1.
So, I don't think Gattuso will be betting on improving the results in the domestic arena by sacrificing the Europa League. The game in Hamburg will be very difficult for sure.
- You have singled out the figure of Marseille's head coach. He is, of course, a living legend. We all, who are not 18-20 years old, remember him as a player. And who among the Marseille players could you single out?
- I don't follow Marseille and Ligue 1 that closely to be able to analyse this team professionally.
But it is clear that their main star is Aubameyang. He is the one to watch very closely. He is the undisputed leader of the team, has considerable experience in the Bundesliga and the Premier League. He used to score a lot of goals. If you miss Aubameyang for a moment, he can punish you with an instant goal.
- Do you think we should expect Shakhtar to play a defensive game?
- Shakhtar will not play closed football. Marino Pushic openly promotes attacking football.
Discipline, dedication, the competent use of the leaders' individual strengths - if Pushic builds the game in this way, if everything comes together, then there are chances of defeating the French. And, of course, you can't do anything without luck.
Oleksandr Pupchenko