Team gave a present

We talked to the birthday boy about the celebration, his best gift and nearest plans.
 
- Igor, many happy returns to you! Have you marked it traditionally - on the training ground?
- Thanks for the birthday wishes! Yes, in this regard, my birthday is no different from other days of the year. I usually start it in training or preparing for a game. So it happened during my playing career, so it happens now - being a coach. Just as today, we have held a session in Sviatoshyno, we’ve worked very well.
 
- You said that the best gift is the victory. So, the team greeted you in advance?
- Yes, they gave me a present, so to speak, in advance, for which many thanks to the guys. Thanks to that, I am marking my birthday in a great mood and smiling. It was a magnificent victory! And a very, very important one.
 
- Many people call the game between Shakhtar and Hoffenheim a highlight of recent years. And what emotions did you experience on the coaching bench during it?
- You know, the game is perceived quite differently on the pitch and on the bench. When I used to be a football player, I got much less distressed in that kind of games, while it’s extremely difficult to watch tense clashes as a coach. It was full of emotions, and they were very bright. Of course, Taison's winning goal nearly in the last minute got the adrenalin going! Whether you want it or not, the joy just breaks loose. That’s why the celebration of the goal turned out so emotional. Each game is important, but this victory was in many respects decisive for us because it allowed us to continue competing in the Champions League.
 
- You’re facing the final segment of the season’s first part. In what mood are the team preparing for it?
- The match against Hoffenheim was very bright, but it’s over now. We need to be calm and get ready for two Ukrainian League games. After all, in order to re-experience the joy of playing in the Champions League next season, we must win the UPL, therefore it’s important to maintain concentration and seriously approach each opponent. First, the major focus will be Olimpik and Mariupol, and only after that, we’ll think about Lyon.