Palkin: The most curious situation is with Braga
Friday, August 26, 2016
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FC Shakhtar CEO Sergei Palkin commented on the results of the draw of the Europa League group stage in the studio of Futbol 1 TV channel
– In this group, the most curious situation is, of course, with Braga. As you all know, in the very beginning of the season their coach came to us, and he knows the team. I think the fans of both teams will find this confrontation very interesting, exciting. Even before the draw I thought that we could get Braga. And it happened. If you look at Ghent, as far as I remember, they were third in their local league standings last season. So it is a good team. Konyaspor plays in the top league from time to time, then it doesn't - they are even opponents. But in any case, I want to say that we must advance further considering the group, no questions about it.
– Do you consider Braga to be the main rivals for the top spot in this quartet?
– Probably yes. Although Ghent are not bad team either.
– Last season, under the leadership of Mircea Lucescu, Shakhtar thrashed Braga 6-1 on aggregate. Now both teams have the same line-ups, except for the coaches. Will this confrontation be a litmus test for Paulo Fonseca?
– Of course. As I said, this is why our group is interesting because there is Braga, where Paulo Fonseca used to be a coach.
– In your opinion, what are the chances of Zorya in Group A?
– Of course, this is the most difficult quartet. It will be a very interesting experience for the young guys of Zorya. I would even say, unforgettable, because you don't play with Manchester United and Fenerbahce every day. I think, for the development of the club and players this is a serious step.
– And if we hypothetically place Shakhtar in Group A instead of Zorya?
– I think it would be nice. When we have difficult opponents, we are focused and show very good results. And when a group looks easy at a first glance, there is a little loss of concentration and we can expect anything.
– Do you consider Braga to be the main rivals for the top spot in this quartet?
– Probably yes. Although Ghent are not bad team either.
– Last season, under the leadership of Mircea Lucescu, Shakhtar thrashed Braga 6-1 on aggregate. Now both teams have the same line-ups, except for the coaches. Will this confrontation be a litmus test for Paulo Fonseca?
– Of course. As I said, this is why our group is interesting because there is Braga, where Paulo Fonseca used to be a coach.
– In your opinion, what are the chances of Zorya in Group A?
– Of course, this is the most difficult quartet. It will be a very interesting experience for the young guys of Zorya. I would even say, unforgettable, because you don't play with Manchester United and Fenerbahce every day. I think, for the development of the club and players this is a serious step.
– And if we hypothetically place Shakhtar in Group A instead of Zorya?
– I think it would be nice. When we have difficult opponents, we are focused and show very good results. And when a group looks easy at a first glance, there is a little loss of concentration and we can expect anything.