U21. Shakhtar vs Zorya: players' opinions
Friday, May 5, 2017
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The Pitmen’s reserve team players reflected on the match versus the Luhansk side
Oleksandr Hlahola, Shakhtar midfielder:
- The opponents dropped back in defence again today, trying to hit on the breaks. However, as in the previous matches, we nearly did not allow Zorya to set up close chances. Before the break, it was difficult to breach their defence: we did not expect them to play a back five, and we failed to convert even those opportunities, which we created. Nevertheless, in the second half, we picked up the pace, tried to play using the flanks and to go for the run in the space. As a result, we notched an opener and doubled the lead in the closing stages to secure a victory.
- The opponents dropped back in defence again today, trying to hit on the breaks. However, as in the previous matches, we nearly did not allow Zorya to set up close chances. Before the break, it was difficult to breach their defence: we did not expect them to play a back five, and we failed to convert even those opportunities, which we created. Nevertheless, in the second half, we picked up the pace, tried to play using the flanks and to go for the run in the space. As a result, we notched an opener and doubled the lead in the closing stages to secure a victory.
We had a good match in terms of both defensive and offensive performance. The credit for preserving a clean sheet is shared not only by the keeper and defenders, but also by the forwards
Valerii Bondar, Shakhtar defender:
- We had a good match in terms of both defensive and offensive performance. The credit for preserving a clean sheet is shared not only by the keeper and defenders, but also by the forwards. They were a great help by pressing the opponents highfield and giving them no chance to deliver counterattacks, as after losing the possession they immediately got to win back the ball. On our part, we tried to help the attacking line: headed forward when playing set pieces and backstopped them, with wingbacks providing an active support offensively. Our task was to control the game, to dispossess Zorya with the ball and force them to move a lot. We succeeded in doing that, operated in an organized manner, claimed two goals and secured a win. The present league’s format suggests that we are to face strong teams in each meeting and there will be no easy encounters. This is just fine for us. We gain great experience and progress through playing tough opponents.
- We had a good match in terms of both defensive and offensive performance. The credit for preserving a clean sheet is shared not only by the keeper and defenders, but also by the forwards. They were a great help by pressing the opponents highfield and giving them no chance to deliver counterattacks, as after losing the possession they immediately got to win back the ball. On our part, we tried to help the attacking line: headed forward when playing set pieces and backstopped them, with wingbacks providing an active support offensively. Our task was to control the game, to dispossess Zorya with the ball and force them to move a lot. We succeeded in doing that, operated in an organized manner, claimed two goals and secured a win. The present league’s format suggests that we are to face strong teams in each meeting and there will be no easy encounters. This is just fine for us. We gain great experience and progress through playing tough opponents.