Oleksandr Kucher: “It is clear that Shakhtar will play against Arsenal as the second team”

Former Shakhtar defender Oleksandr Kucher explained how the “miners” can avoid a rout by London’s Arsenal, and whether Pushych’s team has advantages that can be used at the “Emirates”.

— Do you have concerns for the “miners” in the match against Arsenal?

— Of course, I do, we understand what kind of team Arsenal is. It will be very hard, especially since we are playing away. The Londoners lost to Bournemouth in the last Premier League match, it was a tough game for them. They played with ten men, lost, and now they have a Champions League match at home, of course, the Arsenal players will be angry and very aggressive. Shakhtar players need to be focused in all aspects of the game. There should be no relaxation; if the “miners” have the ball, Arsenal will press very aggressively. They need to play very carefully, but we understand that the Londoners are a very strong team, it won’t be easy.

— What result would be positive for Shakhtar?

— It’s hard to say what… But in order to hope for it, Shakhtar needs to demonstrate good counterplay, perform well in the transitional phase from defense to attack, and catch their chance somewhere. It is clear that we will play as the second team, considering Arsenal's current strength. Counterplay and speed in transitional phases from defense to attack is what is needed. They will need to quickly return back, be very attentive; the Londoners are very strong individually. Everyone needs to give it their all and pay attention to everything.

— If Arteta manages to rotate, would it greatly help the “miners”?

— No, Arsenal has two full squads, so through this rotation, the team can play much more aggressively.

— What should Shakhtar absolutely avoid to not suffer a rout?

— To avoid suffering a rout, they should not make mistakes in defense. They need to play very carefully and reliably at the back, not allow Arsenal players to build up momentum, and not give them confidence. It will be hard if the “miners” give freedom to the “cannon fodder,” they need to “stay alert,” as they say, keep it tight, and not allow free decision-making. But we understand that it will not be easy to do; it requires effort and giving everything on the pitch.

— Do you see any other advantages for Shakhtar that can be used against Arsenal?

— Fast players. As I said, it’s essential to play productively in counterplay; we have speedy players who can do this, and everything must be coordinated in the transitional phases.

Andriy Pavlechko