Former Dynamo and Ukraine head coach Jozsef Szabo shared his expectations for the first match between Shakhtar Donetsk and French side Marseille in the Europa League play-offs for the right to reach the last 16 of the tournament, which will take place in Hamburg today.
- I agree with the bookmakers. "Marseille is a clear favourite. They are a good team, their championship is in full swing, and it is difficult for our teams to play in late winter and early spring. By the time they warm up and run away, it may be too late.
Marseille's crisis? It happens to any club, but Marseille is still a good team. They are always at the top of the standings in Ligue 1.
"Shakhtar will try to control the ball, which is what the Miners do best. But whether they will succeed is a question. I believe that we need to pay enough attention to the defence, because Marseille have players who can punish for negligence in defence.
In the first match, I'll bet on a draw, but I think Shakhtar will not get past Marseille," Ukrainian Football quoted Sabo as saying.