We want those games

- Who else can we play and learn from if not from such great rivals? We want those games. Our only issue is that we don't play as many of them as our opponents do, so they probably have a slight advantage.

- Is Borussia Monchengladbach one of the worst options from Pot 4?

- That’s a draw, what can we do about it? It happened. We’ll see, we will play. Hopefully we'll show them more.

- Did your team predictions come true?

- No, I didn't make any predictions. I just wrote the names of the teams in the group - nothing matched.

- They like to say ‘a group of death’. Do you like that expression?

- I heard it. Maybe. Let's see how everything will develop further.

- How will Shakhtar prepare for the Champions League?

- As always. The only difference is that we’ll have a game every three days. I’ve already said that to differ, for example, from the EPL where they are accustomed to this pace, for us it’s somewhat problematic. But there are many players in our team. I think there will be a big rotation, with everyone playing.

- Is the absence of fans a big minus?

- Yes, it is. The fans are pushing and helping us. Even if you play in a full stadium and everyone roots against you, this atmosphere is still much better than that without spectators.

- Have the team got used to the NSC Olimpiyskiy?

- Yes, we have. We played there quite often, plus we’ve had a few games there this season. The only problem that must be solved is Dynamo and Shakhtar playing on the same field. Perhaps the pitch might slightly suffer from that. Hopefully, they’ll do everything well.

- There was a really short off-season break due to the pandemic this year. What is the team’s current fitness and how’s the preparation for the group stage going?