The task is to play beautifully

- Firstly, I’m really delighted that Roberto here, in Ukraine, accepted our invitation, we signed a contract. Together we will share both pain and joy. And I’m convinced that this coach will display some bright, spectacular, meaningful football that will please and delight our fans.

- How long did the negotiations last? How difficult were they?

- I can say that we considered three candidates. The number one candidate is Roberto. Candidate number two is Roberto! And candidate number three is Roberto. We wanted this particular specialist, we got him, and I am very glad, really happy.

- How did the Roberto story begin? Who recommended him to you? Who drew your attention to him?

- Our entire team recommended him. By and large, when I had decided to invite a new specialist, I said: “Who will be on the list to consider? Give me three candidates." And they gave me one and said, "This is candidate number one, two and three." And they asked me very much to do our best to ensure that he accepts our invitation and ends up in Kyiv.

- For what term did you sign the deal?

- We signed a contract for two years.

- Who will come along with Roberto?

- His team - the specialists who worked with him, the ones he trusts, and they share his philosophy.

- In Italy, they are talking a lot about Roberto De Zerbi as one of the most promising coaches. Well, it’s clear that you can consider Serie A. But hiring the most promising coach in Italy ... What does this mean, according to you?

- This suggests that Roberto is a young, ambitious coach, but most importantly, he is already a strong coach who practises some bright, beautiful, attacking football. The style of play that we and our fans like.

- Regarding the transfer policy: what is the club’s development vector with the arrival of Roberto, is it changing? Where to expect, perhaps, some new names? From what continent and what countries?

- We are already negotiating to strengthen the team. I suppose if we succeed, you will hear it soon.

- Have you already discussed the competition tasks with Roberto? What did you talk about?

- To play beautifully. Football should be bright, spectacular, attacking to delight our fans, to bring people joy and pleasure. And, of course, we have title-winning ambitions. We’ve got no other ambitions.

- There’s some symbolism present: exactly 20 years ago, in 2001, the Italian Nevio Scala joined Shakhtar and Shakhtar won their first gold medals. This time, another Italian ...

- This is very good because with Nevio Scala we won the first league title back then and he left a very good, bright mark. We always remember him. That was Shakhtar's first championship. It was June 11, 2002. Back then, the trophy was in our hands. And on May 27, 2002, Scala also raised the Ukrainian Cup. That year, we won both the Cup and the title. And in the final we beat Dynamo Kyiv 3-2, if you remember, in stoppage time.

- Have you watched Sassuolo’s performance, De Zerbi’s previous team? What did you like? You always consider football details, tactical moments thoroughly. Why did you pick De Zerbi’s talent?

- The whole Europe and the whole world talk about this talent. His team, whoever they play against, always have possession, they control the ball, despite the difference in budgets. Still, the Italian league is a very strong league these days, being interesting to watch, with really tight competition. For the first time in recent years, Juventus haven’t won the title. Inter were going to this for so many years, but could not win it - they’ve done it now. Look at the sixth and seventh spots these days - Roma and Sassuolo are even on points. Whoever the team play against ... Look how they played against Atalanta. It was also a very interesting game. Against any rivals, any leading sides, the Sassuolo team were not whipping boys at all. They basically had control of the ball and attacked. They made all the leaders nervous and, when it worked out, beat the leading teams as well.

- You got some opinions when you thought about De Zerbi. Who did you talk to besides the club staff? Perhaps to Andriy Shevchenko, Nevio Scala, someone else?

- No, no, I trust my team, my club team who, by and large, are convinced of what they do, convinced of the choice. Their opinion is sufficient for me. But if you want to ask others, you can do that! Everyone who is interested in football will tell you that De Zerbi is a very strong decision by Shakhtar.

- You followed Roberto. Did Roberto follow Shakhtar? What are his impressions of the team? Who did he pay attention at? What does he like about Shakhtar?

- Roberto has very deep analytical thinking. I am convinced that he watched and well knows our entire roster, our style of play, what we play and how we do it. And before joining us, he had many other proposals, but he chose us. Why? Because he believes that this project is exactly the one we will be proud of.

- The club turned 85 yesterday. Today comes the announcement of the new coach, to a certain extent it also implies some symbolism and new expectations. What would you say to the fans in connection with the arrival of a new head coach?