Yuriy Virt: "Shakhtar's results are disappointing, and the game itself is not enjoyable"

Famous Ukrainian coach Yuriy Virt believes that Atalanta is the favorite in the match against Shakhtar in the Champions League.

- Are you worried about Shakhtar's result in the match against Atalanta?

- I'm afraid it's true. Shakhtar have some disappointing results, but most importantly, the game itself does not please the fans of the Donetsk club either in the Ukrainian league or, one might say, in the Champions League. Although there was a 0-0 draw with Bologna, we saw that the team hardly created a single goal-scoring chance, only having a chance to score from the penalty spot. Shakhtar's attacking actions are really bad right now, which is why these results are so bad. So I definitely have concerns about the result.

- Don't you think Atalanta will run Shakhtar over with a skating rink?

- No, I don't think Atalanta can run over Shakhtar with a skating rink. The Pitmen will have a completely different motivation before this Champions League match. I am sure that it will be a different Shakhtar, not the one that played in the Ukrainian league. Therefore, the game will be difficult for both teams, but still, my favorite in this match is definitely Atalanta, even though they play away.

- What kind of performance do you expect from Shakhtar in this match?

- You know, expectations can be different, but I would still like to see a more aggressive game, at good speed, so that the team tries to play. However, so far I don't see it either in the Ukrainian league or in European competitions, I would like to see more aggression and more speed. Because what is happening in the Ukrainian league does not suit many fans. We need to show bolder and more aggressive football. Against Atalanta, I would like to see a team that would create a lot of goal-scoring chances. We will talk about what will actually happen after the match.

- What result would be satisfactory for Shakhtar in the match against Atalanta?

- I think any outcome other than a defeat will be satisfactory. Both a win and a draw will be a plus for the Donetsk team.

- There is talk of Pushic's resignation. Can a defeat against Atalanta speed it up?

- I don't think they will decide on this game. In my opinion, Shakhtar's head coach will work until the end of the year, and then they will look at the team's results in the Ukrainian league, and especially in European competitions.

- What is your forecast for the match between Shakhtar and Atalanta?

- Of course, I would like the Donetsk team not to lose. Still, there is hope that the players will show their best qualities and be able to score. I expect to see effective football. I would like to see at least a draw. I predict 1:1.

Andriy Pavelko