The head coach of Ternopil "Niva," Yuriy Virt, commented on the form of the Ukrainian national team goalkeepers Anatoliy Trubin and Andriy Lunin, as well as shared his expectations for the upcoming European club matches of Donetsk "Shakhtar" and Kyiv "Dynamo."
Yuriy Virt— Yuriy Mykolayovych, what can you say about Anatoliy Trubin’s form? Recently, he won the title of the Portuguese League Cup with "Benfica," impressively winning the penalty shootout, and yesterday the Lisboans crushed "Famalicão" with the Ukrainian in goal (4:0).
— In football, trophies are important, and you play for these titles. Anatoliy should be congratulated on this achievement. Indeed, this cup is important for the team and for him. The victory was achieved through good play, and Anatoliy saved the decisive penalty! We can only wish Trubin to work harder and win not only the League Cup but also the Portuguese Cup and, most importantly and most precious, the championship of Portugal.
— Does Trubin already feel very confident in Europe? After the winning penalty shootout, he even comforted Trincão, who missed the decisive penalty.
— I watched that match, and it was a very tough penalty shootout. The "Sporting" players took their penalties very well. At a crucial moment, Trubin saved the team. And I can say that Anatoliy performs well in the goal during penalty shootouts. At the necessary moment, he saved the team, which ultimately secured the victory.
— Now Anatoliy is looking forward to Champions League matches with "Barca" and "Juventus." Will these be some of the most important games in his career?
— These will not be his first games in the Champions League. But yes, these will be some of the most important matches. In the Champions League, all such matches are significant. These are top-class opponents. It’s nice to play against such rivals. These will be interesting games! There is information that giants and teams at a higher level than "Benfica" are watching Anatoliy. Thanks to the matches that the Lisbon team will have in January, he could end up in top teams like "Barcelona," "Inter," "Milan," and so on.
— Perhaps "Barca," which is looking for a goalkeeper, will pay attention to Anatoliy.
— Of course, of course. We know that "Inter" has also paid attention to Trubin. Through such games, you show yourself and get a chance to move to an even better team in Europe.
— And what can you say about Andriy Lunin’s game? "Real," with the Ukrainian goalkeeper in the lineup, beat "Celta" in the Copa del Rey (5:2). Lunin conceded one goal from open play and another from a penalty.
— Yes, indeed, Lunin conceded two goals. But there were few chances to save in those episodes. Overall, he played reliably. "Real" in that match believed too early in success and let up. The Madrid team had just brought those two goals upon themselves. But I am glad that Ancelotti trusts Lunin, putting him in the starting lineup in cup matches. The Italian specialist supports Andriy. It is important to have playing practice.
— What can you say about "Shakhtar" and "Dynamo," who played friendlies during the training camp? In what shape are they approaching the European matches?
— This will show directly the matches in the European competitions and how they prepared for them in this short period. Let’s hope that the Ukrainian teams will come to the matches in conditions close to optimal. And we need to see results from "Dynamo" and "Shakhtar." It will be extremely challenging because "Brest" and "Galatasaray" can be said to be good European middle-class teams.
— Interestingly, "Galatasaray," whom Kyiv will have to play in Istanbul, hasn’t lost since August!
— Especially, yes-yes! Of course, it will be difficult to play against such an opponent. But I think that the "Dynamo" players have rested after such a tough first half of the season. The team should approach the match with "Galatasaray" well-prepared and fresher. Indeed, it will be interesting to see Kyiv "Dynamo" after the team had some rest. It will be interesting to see how the team will move and look on the field against such a good opponent.
— And "Shakhtar" will play against "Brest" in Gelsenkirchen!
— The same applies to Donetsk "Shakhtar." We must speak frankly that we expected more from both of our teams on the European stage. Indeed, they did not produce the expected results in 2024. But now "Shakhtar" has to prove that it can play and win.
Dmytro Kotkov
