Sergiy Palkin: We believe in Lucescu’s experience
04-09-08 16:21:22
In recent day it’s been widely discussed on the Internet that FC Shakhtar are determined to change a head coach. To clear out the situation, we asked Sergiy Palkin, FC Shakhtar CEO, to comment on such reports.
Question: There is information that Shakhtar management is in active search of a new coach for the first team. Moreover, official negotiations are being held with a number of specialists.
You were right when you called this information a “gossip”. This is just the right word to describe the information that appeared on the Internet. We are not holding any sorts of negotiations. I repeat once more and this is the Club’s official statement – Mircea Lucescu is the head coach of FC Shakhtar. His contract expires at the end of the season.
Question: But Shakhtar have made such a weak start into the season. What arethe ways out of this situation?
That’s right, the situation we are in is gruesome concerning our results in the domestic championship. Our league standing is really disappointing. But we are sure that such an experienced specialist like Mircea Lucescu is able to find solution to this problem. I have no doubts, that the team shall win back their reputation and delight their fans with outstanding performance.
We have always said that our ain priority in this season is the Champions League and the team have successfully qualified for the UCL group stage.
People have high expectation for Shakhtar’s achievements: we are supposed to win in all possible competitions, first of all in Ukrainian Premier League. We are used to think that only victory is accepted whereas any other result is regarded as disastrous. Let’s stick to the facts. Under Mircea Lucescu Shakhtar won three league titles, two cups and one super cup.
It is obvious that the team have made considerable progress: our UEFA coefficient was 17,30 and after Lucescu’s arrival it rose to 49,93. It should mean something, admit.
Question: Nevertheless, the fans want to see new victories.
I agree with you. I reminded you about his achievements not because I was trying to justify him or something, but simply to evaluate the work that he has done on this post. Of course, we all need new victories: Shakhtar are setting most ambitious goals. We believe that the players and the coach will be able to overcome all these difficulties and they shall delight us with new achievements very soon.
FC Shakhtar Press office
