Legendary 'Volyn' coach Vitaliy Kvartsyanyi shared his expectations for the Conference League match 'Shamrock Rovers' — 'Shakhtar'.
Vitaliy Kvartsyanyi— Vitaliy Volodymyrovych, 'Shakhtar' in the Conference League group is in a slightly better position than 'Dynamo', and the opponent 'Shamrock Rovers' has been without competitive practice for more than two weeks since their local season ended. Are you optimistic about this game?
— Honestly, yes. I think 'Shakhtar' has every chance to take three points from Ireland.
— Are 'the Miners' the clear favorites in this showdown?
— Looking at how Arda Turan behaves on the coaching bench, running with the team, often advising his players, it’s a good sign. The coach has adapted to relationships with the players. It’s clear that 'the Miners' have analyzed their mistakes made at the start of the season, thus they are coming out of the crisis. The team is fully focused on constructiveness in their tactical formations, they are aimed at organizing the attack, often trying to press. I am confident that against 'Feyenoord' or 'Sevilla', 'Shakhtar' would also try to attack and act constructively, which is development.
We see that some players of the Donetsk team are beginning to come to life, although Alisson, who shone at the start of the season, is still recovering from injury, and they are already used to playing without Kevin.
If the team wants to attack, they will always be closer to victory. I think this is approximately how 'Shakhtar' will continue to develop, as there are performers for this.
The only downside that stands out is that the opponent can easily study 'Shakhtar’s' game. As soon as the opponent starts attacking with large forces, 'the Miners' encounter problems.
— It is clear that 'Poltava' and 'Obolon' are not at the level of the Conference League. However, 13 goals in these matches indicate that 'the Miners' have gained good momentum?
— If 'Shakhtar' increases their conversion rate, the victory will be confident. But if they struggle, problems may arise. Nevertheless, it’s important that Arda Turan’s wards are focused on the opponent’s goal.
— In one interview, you said that 'Dynamo' won’t advance from the Conference League group. What do you think about 'Shakhtar'?
— I think 'the Miners' should not only advance to the playoffs but also make it to the top eight to immediately secure a place in the 1/8 finals, avoiding the 1/16 barrier.
After all, 'Shakhtar’s' goal from the beginning was to make waves in Europe. They did not make it to the Champions League, were eliminated from the Europa League, so we are all waiting for a breakthrough in the Conference League. I do not exclude that we may see the team in the tournament final.
— Where does this optimism come from?
— I see 'Shakhtar' is currently showing quality football.
— So, your prediction for the match in Dublin is unambiguous?
— In my opinion, 'the Miners' will concede a goal, but they will score several times themselves. I bet on — 3:1.
Sergiy Boychenko
