I’ll opt for attacking
Wednesday, March 17, 2021
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Shakhtar defender answered reporters' questions before the Europa League Round of 16 second leg
- Mykola, if you could choose tomorrow between being a 100% effective offensively or a 100% safe defensively, what would you say?
- It’s a difficult question. In my opinion, everything is built around defence, but talking about the return match against Roma, then, unfortunately, we need to come from behind after 0-3. Therefore, after all, I’ll probably opt for attacking - we’ll score more so.
- To what extent did the team miss Taras Stepanenko in recent matches and who could be called the current team leader?
- Indeed, we really miss Taras - he is a key Shakhtar player in midfield who created a balance between defence and offence. We are looking forward to his speedy recovery. Despite the fact that he’s not with us on the field at the moment, Taras remains our leader, just like other experienced performers: Andriy Pyatov, Sergii Kryvtsov, Taison, Marlos, Alan Patrick ... But in the game everyone can take on some duties of a leader. On the field, the leader must stand out due to his qualities. The same Anatolii Trubin, if necessary, can raise his voice.
- What surprised you in the Rome duel, what are you fearing now and what needs to be done better than in the first meeting?
- I can't say that Roma surprised us with anything. Before matches, we make a full analysis of the opponents’ play and prepare set pieces with this in mind. What we need to do better? Not to concede any and score four goals.
- Did you practise the penalty shootout?
- No, we can do it.
- It’s a difficult question. In my opinion, everything is built around defence, but talking about the return match against Roma, then, unfortunately, we need to come from behind after 0-3. Therefore, after all, I’ll probably opt for attacking - we’ll score more so.
- To what extent did the team miss Taras Stepanenko in recent matches and who could be called the current team leader?
- Indeed, we really miss Taras - he is a key Shakhtar player in midfield who created a balance between defence and offence. We are looking forward to his speedy recovery. Despite the fact that he’s not with us on the field at the moment, Taras remains our leader, just like other experienced performers: Andriy Pyatov, Sergii Kryvtsov, Taison, Marlos, Alan Patrick ... But in the game everyone can take on some duties of a leader. On the field, the leader must stand out due to his qualities. The same Anatolii Trubin, if necessary, can raise his voice.
- What surprised you in the Rome duel, what are you fearing now and what needs to be done better than in the first meeting?
- I can't say that Roma surprised us with anything. Before matches, we make a full analysis of the opponents’ play and prepare set pieces with this in mind. What we need to do better? Not to concede any and score four goals.
- Did you practise the penalty shootout?
- No, we can do it.
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