In Udine (Italy), UEFA Champions League holders — PSG from France triumphed in a penalty shootout against UEFA Europa League holders — English Tottenham — 4:3 (regular time — 2:2), winning the UEFA Super Cup. The honored coach of Ukraine, Yuriy Vernydub, shared his impressions of this confrontation, assessing the chances of newcomer, Ukrainian legionnaire Illya Zabarnyi, to secure a position in the PSG starting lineup:
Yuriy Vernydub— I do not believe that the final score was unfair. Yes, when considering that towards the end of the match the English were leading — 2:0, and the actions of the French giant lacked their usual ease and sophistication, Tottenham was probably closer to victory. But, after all, the class of the Parisians and their immense desire not to lose made a difference. In stoppage time, thanks to the efforts of their leader Dembélé, who made an assist, they equalized, and then drew a lucky ticket in the football lottery — the penalty shootout.
— Then how do you explain the fact that the Parisians were lacking their typical ease?
— Don’t forget that not long ago they participated in a marathon team World Championship, where they only lost to English Chelsea in the final, then there was a break and they only resumed training a few weeks ago. Of course, this affected their performance, as I don’t believe that manager Luis Enrique deliberately rushed the preparation for the UEFA Super Cup.
— Since we are talking about Luis Enrique, he made a significant contribution to the victory, considering that the players who came on as substitutes yesterday, Kan In and Ramush, scored goals.
— You are right. In the second half, Luis Enrique did everything timely, not only guessing the players who would soon make a difference, but also replacing seemingly untouchable Kvaratskhelia and Barcola. Respect to the coach.
— There is no doubt that PSG will see a significant increase in fans in Ukraine after our national team leader Illya Zabarnyi joined the ranks of the Parisians.
— I am happy for Illya, he earned this new challenge in his career through his dedication to football and intelligence. Playing in the strongest team in Europe — that’s something to dream of.
— Still, Zabarnyi will have to compete for a place in the starting lineup with PSG captain, and leader of the Brazilian national team Marquinhos.
— Nothing to worry about, I believe that Zabarnyi is stronger than the Brazilian. Ultimately, fierce competition will only foster the progress of both Zabarnyi and Marquinhos, from which PSG will only benefit.
— Then finally, one more question: one of the goalkeepers of PSG is the Russian Safonov, how should Zabarnyi behave in this situation with a representative of an aggressive country?
— I believe that when Zabarnyi was negotiating with the PSG club bosses about the transfer, this issue was discussed. I lean towards the idea that the Russian will soon leave Paris, as who is he compared to Zabarnyi, who was in sight in the EPL? I am convinced that Zabarnyi has already determined how to behave now, he is a smart guy and a true Cossack.
Andriy Pysarenko
