– I think you saw: there was a very difficult game, a very difficult field. The weather has changed a little in general our plans and our tactics to the game, because from the first minutes we have already felt that it is very difficult to play in our football – a combination. The team, in principle, as in the first match, used more longball, and more struggle, probably, was in the same field.
But I think that just 20 minutes we have already found our game. We may have not had so many moments, but we went the first or second zone very well. There is probably not enough for some final pass, completion, more sharpness. But from the positive – that we, in principle, are well controlled by the game. Very unfortunate goal in the 2nd half, because the team, to be honest, 1-2 times crossed half-and from the counterattack scored such a ball. Well, the attacker came out, Elias earned this penalty and we were able to play. But, in principle, I think we have completely overcome this team in two matches and deservedly passed.
– You have not played today in your home position. For the first time, you have such an experience as a forward? How comfortable did you feel comfortable?
– By the way, today I mentioned that I just made my debut in UPL for Shakhtar at the position of the central striker – against Vorskla, in 2020. In principle, today I played in all positions – both “nine”, “tens” and “six”. Where will I put me, where I have to help the team at this moment – I will play there.
In principle, understanding is. Yes, perhaps, this is not my main position, a little unnatural for me, and it is difficult to fight for these balls, especially in the supreme struggle, but I say, with that combination football, which we play in, if you can open up in the third and in the disappointment – then, in principle, I tried to use it.
– Due to such positions, did you give you any personal guidelines of Arda Turan? Maybe you had some special conversation before the match?
– To be honest, no, nothing special, there was no guidance. In general, I learned the theory that I would play the central striker.
– Was surprised?
– To be honest, yes. At first I looked at the game – I thought that I would not play, and then just saw myself.
In principle, I have played a central striker for the last 20 minutes against Panatinaikos, so it is difficult to fight. Conditionally, we have a Central Forward such as Kauan, who can hold the ball, save it, fight it. In order for me to play qualitatively in this position, it is probably necessary to open or vice versa – more than my back. And so in the fight to join – as you saw, a couple of times lost the ball in such moments, when I was already pushed into my back. But this also needs to be added physically. There is a place to learn, it is probably more necessary to work in the hall.
– What can you draw a conclusion from Shakhtar qualifying matches this summer?
– To be honest, I am a little disappointed that we have departed from the Europa League. I think we deserve more, I think we should play in the Europa League this year. But it happened as it happened. In principle, we have not lost any match this season. We see how the team progresses. We have many young football players now, and two more were signed. I am sure that over time with this trainer we will have quality football and a very high quality team
