I know Porto’s character
Wednesday, January 27, 2021
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Shakhtar U19 will be coached in the UEFA Youth League by the U21 head coach Fernando Valente. He commented on the draw results, the competition’s new format and the team’s objectives
- How satisfied are you with the draw? Is Porto the most satisfying option?
- We had a very strong group, so any opponents would’ve been tough. Porto are a good, experienced team. I always tell my guys that they can progress and get stronger only through the games against the best clubs.
- Are you happy to play against your compatriots?
- Of course I am, I even have some friends among Porto's coaches, but I still focus on my team. The UEFA Youth League is a chance for everyone to prove themselves. Of course, I know Porto’s mentality and character, but I can’t say that this will be a weighty argument.
- Does the UEFA Youth League mentally temper the young players?
- Certainly. We’ve gathered the best Ukrainian youth. It’s important to make the guys mentally strong already at this stage, and matches against European clubs are a great opportunity for that. Even the Porto Academy have a lot to learn from because their slogan is “We hate to lose”. Our players will be able to get some valuable information and experience in those encounters.
- Does the new tournament format complicate the task or, on the contrary, is it an advantage?
- Time will tell, but I know it won't be easy. You understand that if the tournament involves just one-legged ties against the opponents, each match is like the final. Under these circumstances, we need to be as focussed as possible on a single game.
- Shakhtar reached the 2014/15 UEFA Youth League final, while Porto won the tournament in the 2018/19 season. How important are the stats in this clash?
- I don't think statistics are important. You see, in youth football teams change very quickly. We had completely different players and coaches back then, while this time it’s going to be another story.
- Will the Miners be able to approach the match in optimum form as by the 2nd or 3rd of March Shakhtar U19 will have played only three Ukrainian league games?
- We should prepare well since Porto haven’t had a winter break, the opponents played regularly. Besides, the team participate in the Segunda Liga of Portugal, which is also important. In this sense, the opponents have got an advantage, but we must rediscover the top form by the match against Porto U19.
- What are the goals of Shakhtar U19 in this European competition?
- As you know, we’ve had significant personnel changes, with many new guys on the roster. We must try to get them adapted and help them show their best qualities. The tournament is a great opportunity to bring our youngsters into play against strong teams. Now the players need to gain experience which will come in handy in the next UEFA Youth League edition.