We struck back
Sunday, September 15, 2019
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Shakhtar midfielder Yevhen Konoplyanka reflects on his debut, the victory over Zorya, and his readiness for the Champions League
- The emotions are positive. It’s important that we claimed three points; and most importantly, Taison left the field safe and sound, and feeling fine. It was not easy. In the first half, the opponents created quite many scoring chances, but we took that hit and struck back.
- It was a difficult first half. What was it like to come on as a sub in that situation?
- You know, with Shakhtar’s selection of players, it’s nice to take the field at any moment. Even though we were 1-2 behind. I felt super. Fitness wise, I am also feeling better, getting back in shape.
- You appeared on the field and immediately made a series of shots at goal. Was that prepared?
- Well, it so happened: there was enough space for handling the ball and shooting, with no one marking me or getting on the ball ahead of me. It’s a pity that I didn’t score. But, believe me, it’s better for me to shoot four times and miss the target, but then to provide an assist for the team to win. That’s much nicer.
- How do you feel before the Champions League?
- We want to enjoy this victory now, and then we’ll start preparing for the match against Manchester City. Because we haven’t cooled down after the game yet, only realizing that we’ve claimed the three important points. I guess we’ll begin discussing and analyzing the opponents’ performance soon.
- You are rediscovering your top form. How would you rate it and how ready are you for the encounter against Man City?
- It will probably be more correct for the coaches to give their assessment of my readiness for the game. I feel great!
- It was a difficult first half. What was it like to come on as a sub in that situation?
- You know, with Shakhtar’s selection of players, it’s nice to take the field at any moment. Even though we were 1-2 behind. I felt super. Fitness wise, I am also feeling better, getting back in shape.
- You appeared on the field and immediately made a series of shots at goal. Was that prepared?
- Well, it so happened: there was enough space for handling the ball and shooting, with no one marking me or getting on the ball ahead of me. It’s a pity that I didn’t score. But, believe me, it’s better for me to shoot four times and miss the target, but then to provide an assist for the team to win. That’s much nicer.
- How do you feel before the Champions League?
- We want to enjoy this victory now, and then we’ll start preparing for the match against Manchester City. Because we haven’t cooled down after the game yet, only realizing that we’ve claimed the three important points. I guess we’ll begin discussing and analyzing the opponents’ performance soon.
- You are rediscovering your top form. How would you rate it and how ready are you for the encounter against Man City?
- It will probably be more correct for the coaches to give their assessment of my readiness for the game. I feel great!