Shakhtar are a team from another planet

- The impressions are twofold. We lost 3-4, still having some positive emotions from the fact that Dnipro-1 have won. And it’s unfortunate that we conceded a goal at 3-3. Had we tied it, had we scored a precious point, credit would’ve gone to us either. But in reality, we’ve suffered a defeat, conceded four goals, made many errors. Although in general, the performance quality and character make me content. I said after playing Dynamo: whatever happens, our team will always have character. We may be 0-6 down, but we always play football, we try our best.

- We all understand the kind of mood you’re in now. A defeat on the pitch, which is perceived as a victory though. Have you previously had such games in your career?

- No, never. They were emotional. We drew 0-0 against the same Shakhtar back in 2001 ... Defeats are different. Today’s one is not a shame at all. And still, if you can change such games from 1-3 to 3-3, you should secure at least a draw, without conceding any goals. We will correct it and learn from our mistakes.

- It’s not shameful to lose 3-4 to that kind of opponents, given the difference in class and experience ...

- The difference in class is really huge. It seems that Shakhtar played just like in the saying: “You will score as many goals as you can, while we’ll score as many as we want.” The pace of the opposing players is much higher. Specifically for us, this is a team from another planet. And still, we had certain moments when we sealed Shakhtar off, having the full advantage. I understand that the opponents played based on the score, still remembering another match, they played it safe, they didn’t take part in certain challenges, maybe they didn’t use their full force. In any case, we’ve been happy with our play, not with the scoreline though.

- Now, you are facing 10 games against that kind of “monsters”, the participants in European competitions ...