Renowned Ukrainian coach Yuriy Virt shared his expectations for the 4th round match of the main stage of the Conference League between Irish Shamrock Rovers and Donetsk Shakhtar.
Yuriy Virt— Shakhtar is undoubtedly the favorite, but I am sure that we should not count on an easy victory. Let’s not forget that Shamrock Rovers recently became the champion of their country, won the Irish Cup, and drew an away match against Greek AEK (1:1) in the Conference League. This team is currently on a psychological high and in very good form, considering their results.
You can’t simply dismiss the Irish and calmly claim three points; there will be a battle.
— Speaking of the battle. It’s no secret that a team technically weaker than its opponent often tries to prevail through force, aggression, sometimes even rough fouls. Will Shakhtar’s young team, which has not yet fully matured physically, manage not to break in a match against the fighters from Shamrock Rovers?
— I am sure that there will be plenty of physical contests in the game, and Shakhtar’s players should be ready to engage in them. Playing in the air will also be of great importance, and in this aspect, the Donetsk team is not the strongest, to be honest. That’s why I say there won’t be an easy walk in Dublin.
However, Shakhtar does have experience in facing physically strong teams. Moreover, opponents are often not as straightforward as they might seem. Not long ago, the Miners played against Scotland’s Aberdeen (3:2) and defeated them. They managed to snatch three points through character. It was a very tough game, and something similar might happen in Dublin. Shakhtar won’t be able to win purely on class.
Turan already knows how to play against British teams, so he should provide the right guidance and choose the right tactics that will bring the desired result, which is why we need a victory, preferably.
I think we will witness a large number of goals. I predict that the game will end with a score of 3:1 in favor of Shakhtar.
Victor Glukhniy
