Famous Ukrainian coach Volodymyr Sharan shared his expectations for the second part of the current season of the Ukrainian championship.
— Can "Dynamo" feel safe with the current advantage over competitors?
— It’s too early to hang the gold medals. We need to consider the match in reserve for "Shakhtar." Moreover, "Oleksandriya" has strengthened with good players. "Shakhtar," despite losing key players, still remains competitive.
The only problem for "Dynamo" may be the departure of Bushchan — due to Neshcheret’s unconvincing play. The most important thing is for all key players to be healthy. We see that Shovkovskyi has taken a lot of youth to the training camps, who will have a chance to prove themselves in official matches, but right now they are not ready to solve serious tasks.
— Does the restructuring of "Shakhtar" put a cross on the championship prospects of the Donetsk team?
— I wouldn’t be categorical. "Dynamo" and "Shakhtar" are currently on equal terms since there won’t be European Cups and the clubs will have more time for preparation. As for outgoing transfers, Sikan should not have been sold, in my opinion.
— Does "Oleksandriya" have enough resilience, considering the recent acquisitions?
— Good players have arrived. There was a lot of talk that "Oleksandriya" would sell its leaders, but Kampush, Bezerra, Kaluzhny will finish the season. This is a clear signal that the team will not simply give up second place.
— Can "Kryvbas" avoid relegation from the top-4?
— There was a good preseason in Spain. A few newcomers have arrived. The most important thing is that the team is well-prepared. Under favorable circumstances, they can compete for a top-three position, although "Polissya" and "Karpaty" should not be underestimated.
— The loud deal between "Rukh" and "Karpaty" became one of the most discussed during the break. Who, in your opinion, is the biggest beneficiary in this story?
— Definitely "Karpaty," as they have received players capable of keeping the team in the upper part of the table. "Rukh" will finish the season, and it is unknown how the situation will develop further.
— Which transfer impressed you the most?
— If we talk about strengthening, it’s hard to evaluate the legionnaires right now until we see them in action specifically in UPL. One transfer stands out. I consider Shepelev’s transfer to "Oleksandriya" a strong move among those who are in the spotlight.
— Will the struggle for survival last until the end?
— Definitely. "Inhuliets" could take points due to underestimation. The struggle will be between "Obolon," "Chornomorets," and "Vorskla." There will definitely be a fight at both the top and bottom, while the middle has already somewhat emerged, although anything can happen in football.
— Which team could surprise in the second part of the season?
— I have seen few matches of our teams in the training camps. I do not rule out that "Inhuliets" could become a kind of surprise, as the team did not go anywhere and prepared at home, remembering last year's "Mynai," which fought until the end for survival in UPL.
— Will Vanat manage to defend his title as the best scorer of UPL?
— Vanat is in good condition. Vladyslav is capable of winning the scoring race.
— Do you see prerequisites for the first potential coaching resignation after the championship resumes?
— I would refrain from answering. (Smiles). I won't answer out of respect for my colleagues.
Oleksandr Karpenko