– Mister, the team’s double game day has ended victoriously. Let’s analyze both matches.
– The first goal is the acquisition of physical conditions, as it always is during the off-season. We worked very hard in both matches. The first game was difficult, more of a game between two marks of 60 meters – almost nothing happened in the goal areas of both teams in the first half. I think that in certain situations we could have done much better, but we were stable in defense, so that’s good. It was a mixed team, some played in the second position, and I think they played like adults in the second half. We decided to play one-on-one across the field with four strikers, continued to attack and work hard and scored a well-deserved goal. So, in general, I think that this first game was a great and difficult practice, where we put a lot of effort and in the end we won.
This is very important, because the team again showed maximum character in the last part of the match, playing with only three defenders. I liked what I saw in the final part of the first sparring. The second match, of course, was the second, the level of the opponent was higher, but the way we played it, the maturity with which we played with and without the ball, were at a high level. And I really liked what I saw, especially when you play out situations the way we did, scoring four very good goals and not conceding. Although we had three or four moments where we could have reacted better from the point of view of pressing. But in general I can be satisfied. And also this game was great for us physically, a game with a good opponent. It was a very good day for us.
– At these meetings, you give all players the opportunity to prove themselves, and also sometimes use egos in positions other than their own. Can you comment on this, please?
– Well, these are off-season, friendly matches, and if I want to try something, if there are any ideas, then this is the time to implement them. I’m glad I did it to see certain moments, to look at football players in different positions, it was the right moment to try. I think they managed it quite well.
– In a week, “Shakhtar” will play the first official match in 2025 – in the Champions League. What are the expectations from him and how does the team prepare for the week?
– There are a few days for training and recovery after these two matches. It was important to play 90 minutes, which most players did today. Then we will try to prepare as best as possible for the first match with Brest. There are still a few days to go, so we need to recover, and then I will think about this game again.
– In conclusion, let’s evaluate your team for this day.
– Everyone deserves compliments for their attitude, efforts and style of play for most of the time.
Source: sport.ua