Month of important games
Saturday, September 4, 2021
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In an interview with Shakhtar TV, the defender Dodo spoke about the features of training sessions without internationals and the preparations for September fixtures
- Dodo, what was the first training session like after a short rest?
- The coaches focussed on the fitness and workload. The three days off the team had, whether we like it or not, are a little relaxing. I think the suggested exercises will help us to better engage in work.
- In August, due to multiple matches and flights, you had next to no time for targeted preparation. Will it now be possible to conduct full-fledged training with an eye on the Champions League group stage fixtures, among other things?
- I believe this week will be perfect to prepare well. It’s clear that the internationals aren’t present, but I believe that we’ll have enough time to train properly, work out the coach’s ideas and be ready for the Champions League and the domestic league.
- Traditionally, many Shakhtar players have left to join different national teams. How is preparation going without so many teammates?
- We are already used to it and we know very well that most of our guys play in the national team of Ukraine and not only. It’s important that those who stayed at the club camp get maximally focussed, work hard and step it up every day.
- As far as we know, you will have alternating days with one and two training sessions. What’s special about them?
- This is for us to get better prepared physically. September is a month of very important games, not only in the Champions League. We are facing the Super Cup clash against Dynamo and, of course, we want to win. Therefore, we must be ready physically and improve our technical form. Now we’ve got time to work out every aspect.
- The UEFA Champions League group stage is approaching. Do you have a feeling of déjà vu, considering last year's opponents Inter and Real Madrid?
- We are preparing. Shakhtar have proved many times that they can win and play successfully against such strong teams. And I'm not just talking about last year’s group stage, but also about other matches – against Manchester City, Atalanta. Those were tough encounters in which we gained experience. I believe that the upcoming Champions League matches will be a bit calmer for us because we have already met with those clubs. It’s very important for us to reach the Champions League Round of 16 – that’s our goal.
- The coaches focussed on the fitness and workload. The three days off the team had, whether we like it or not, are a little relaxing. I think the suggested exercises will help us to better engage in work.
- In August, due to multiple matches and flights, you had next to no time for targeted preparation. Will it now be possible to conduct full-fledged training with an eye on the Champions League group stage fixtures, among other things?
- I believe this week will be perfect to prepare well. It’s clear that the internationals aren’t present, but I believe that we’ll have enough time to train properly, work out the coach’s ideas and be ready for the Champions League and the domestic league.
- Traditionally, many Shakhtar players have left to join different national teams. How is preparation going without so many teammates?
- We are already used to it and we know very well that most of our guys play in the national team of Ukraine and not only. It’s important that those who stayed at the club camp get maximally focussed, work hard and step it up every day.
- As far as we know, you will have alternating days with one and two training sessions. What’s special about them?
- This is for us to get better prepared physically. September is a month of very important games, not only in the Champions League. We are facing the Super Cup clash against Dynamo and, of course, we want to win. Therefore, we must be ready physically and improve our technical form. Now we’ve got time to work out every aspect.
- The UEFA Champions League group stage is approaching. Do you have a feeling of déjà vu, considering last year's opponents Inter and Real Madrid?
- We are preparing. Shakhtar have proved many times that they can win and play successfully against such strong teams. And I'm not just talking about last year’s group stage, but also about other matches – against Manchester City, Atalanta. Those were tough encounters in which we gained experience. I believe that the upcoming Champions League matches will be a bit calmer for us because we have already met with those clubs. It’s very important for us to reach the Champions League Round of 16 – that’s our goal.