“Ukrainian coach commented the match with Shakhtar Donetsk”, – WRITE: Sport.ua
– First of all, I want to thank the Armed Forces of Ukraine. It is because of their courage that we have the opportunity to sit, talk and watch this spectacular football. As for the match itself, it was very difficult. The first 25 minutes we could not enter the game for one simple reason: we have many players for whom it was the first match in the Premier League-and immediately with a team like Shakhtar. A team that literally left a stone on a stone from Besiktas. There was an excitement, but as several attacks were carried out – confidence appeared. With every minute the game was getting better. We need to pay tribute to Shakhtar – they have a very high level of players. All Ukrainians are players of the national team, and Brazilians cost crazy money. We understood it well, so I thanked my team. For us, this is a historical moment-the first epicenter match in the Premier League. I think we looked very decent. They did not have a little, but to be frank, Shakhtar had some good moments. But our goalkeeper played reliably, somewhere the defenders rescued. We also had a good chance. But it’s football – and we move forward. Our best matches are yet to come. Shakhtar only wants success in the European arena. You see how far as we are in the UEFA coefficient table. Therefore, we should be ill for every Ukrainian team that represents us in Europe.
– How do you evaluate today’s game and what emotions are left after a duel with such a difficult rival?
– On the one hand, the frustration that has not been given these for the last 10 minutes, on the other, pride in the boys, because at this level, it seems to me that only Boryachuk had experience, and the rest – debutants. This is a very valuable lesson for us. I want to thank Shakhtar, they gave us a really good lesson. They showed what the true intensity of the game is, and now we understand what the Premier League is and at what level you need to strive. There is no time for thinking – we move forward. And again I will repeat: our best matches are still ahead.
-Sergei, the younger generation of Khmelnytsky region is very proud that your team has won the way to the Premier League. Who could you particularly celebrate among the players? Who played the best today?
– Thank you! The Khmelnytsky region has not seen the Premier League for more than 30 years, so I want to celebrate all our players. Look at the foreigners – it was their first game, and I am very grateful. Haokin had a good goal. Nil, though Spaniard, but with our character, a real fighter. It is worth mentioning everyone: Mironyuk, Klimets, Boryachuk, all who came out in the starting lineup. They are really good fellows. We saw where we need to move. Shakhtar demonstrated a football lesson and at what level you should strive.
-Unfortunately, you are not at home, but fortunately, in Ternopil, and thanks to you the city is receiving the Premier League again. What are the impressions of supporting fans?
– The support was really very good. There was no big football in Ternopil, so it is quite clear. The only thing I didn’t like – the fans began to run out on the field. I understand that they wanted to approach the players, but if this is repeated, there will be no more football in Ternopil. And the reason is very simple: the stadium can be disqualified. Even I intervened a little, because I saw that one person did not behave quite adequately. It may have been drunk, though it’s hard to judge. I understand young people – for her it is emotions, not every day a team of players of the national team of Ukraine play. The ones they saw on TV, to euros or in European Cups. As for support – well done. Many fans from the Khmelnytsky region, Kiev, Lviv have arrived. It’s nice. The next game, I think, will be no less interesting and tense, because we will play with Dynamo. It will be another lesson for us. We are pleased to play in Ternopil, but frankly, we want to perform at home, in Kamianets-Podilsky.
– quite difficult start of the season for the Epicenter: at the very beginning – matches with Shakhtar and Dynamo. What were your emotions when you saw such a calendar?
– Well, listen, the calendar is not easy, but you need to play with all the teams. And not only we have this situation, there are also teams with similar conditions. As I understand, clubs from the western region were most affected. Nothing wrong. For us, every match is a lesson, a school. Believe me, I am sure that our team with each game will only be stronger.
Earlier it was reported that Shakhtar had a victory over the Epicenter.