We’ll get better with each game
Saturday, March 7, 2020
|
Shakhtar U19 coach Andres Carrasco and player Danylo Honcharuk reflect on the 2-0 victory over Dnipro-1 U19
Andres Carrasco, head coach:
“We are happy with the match outcome, but we’re less happy with our performance quality. Although it’s worth considering the fact that the pitch is artificial, and this greatly affects the team play. The ball doesn’t bounce off the field surface, the players have to make a few extra touches, slowing down the game as a result. But we must adapt to the conditions. At the same time, we are glad that we’ve won the first spring match. We could win it with a bigger score since we had at least two great chances that we had to convert. The first goal is really important because without it, it would’ve been even more difficult to rip open the defence of Dnipro-1. That’s a good team with quality football players. They are physically strong, organized, not deserving their low standing in the table judging by their performance. In general, the start of the season’s second part is always difficult for all teams, that’s why we were preparing for a tough match. I’m sure we’ll get better with each game.”
“We are happy with the match outcome, but we’re less happy with our performance quality. Although it’s worth considering the fact that the pitch is artificial, and this greatly affects the team play. The ball doesn’t bounce off the field surface, the players have to make a few extra touches, slowing down the game as a result. But we must adapt to the conditions. At the same time, we are glad that we’ve won the first spring match. We could win it with a bigger score since we had at least two great chances that we had to convert. The first goal is really important because without it, it would’ve been even more difficult to rip open the defence of Dnipro-1. That’s a good team with quality football players. They are physically strong, organized, not deserving their low standing in the table judging by their performance. In general, the start of the season’s second part is always difficult for all teams, that’s why we were preparing for a tough match. I’m sure we’ll get better with each game.”
Dnipro-1’s midfield was tight and difficult to pass, so we focussed on playing through the flanks, where we created the most chances and made many deliveries. That’s exactly how we scored the first goal: there was a good pass, and I just had to put my head in its way
Danylo Honcharuk, forward:
“The match wasn’t our easiest, but we managed to achieve a good result and to win it, so everyone’s happy. Dnipro-1’s midfield was tight and difficult to pass, so we focussed on playing through the flanks, where we created the most chances and made many deliveries. That’s exactly how we scored the first goal: there was a good pass, and I just had to put my head in its way. Of course, I’m very happy that I managed to excel in my debut match and benefit Shakhtar. Goals always bring you joy! In the second half, the opponents began to attack more, but we operated carefully and waited for our chance. And so it happened: we launched a counterattack, scored one and calmly secured a victory. The head coach said after the match that we’d delivered a pretty good performance. We tried our best to bring to the pitch everything that we’d practised at the training camp, but, of course, we’ve still got certain things that need to be improved, but for the first match we looked good.”
“The match wasn’t our easiest, but we managed to achieve a good result and to win it, so everyone’s happy. Dnipro-1’s midfield was tight and difficult to pass, so we focussed on playing through the flanks, where we created the most chances and made many deliveries. That’s exactly how we scored the first goal: there was a good pass, and I just had to put my head in its way. Of course, I’m very happy that I managed to excel in my debut match and benefit Shakhtar. Goals always bring you joy! In the second half, the opponents began to attack more, but we operated carefully and waited for our chance. And so it happened: we launched a counterattack, scored one and calmly secured a victory. The head coach said after the match that we’d delivered a pretty good performance. We tried our best to bring to the pitch everything that we’d practised at the training camp, but, of course, we’ve still got certain things that need to be improved, but for the first match we looked good.”