We got a nice group
Thursday, August 31, 2023
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Head coach of Shakhtar Patrick van Leeuwen analysed the composition of the group in the Champions League
– Mister, the Champions League draw has just taken place. What are your thoughts on future opponents?
– It was a very interesting draw with some great teams for playing and for development of our young players when they face the opponents from these countries. We need to fight. All games give us that opportunity because these teams want to play football like we do. So, I am OK with the group.
– Maybe you had a guess which team you might get on the eve of the draw? Who did you expect to see in the opponents?
– I did not think ahead about which opponent I wanted to get, but in the end I am glad. In my opinion, this year the Champions League has a lot of quality teams, everyone in the first two pots is strong. We got a nice group.
– Who will be more difficult to play against and why?
– All teams want to play football and we have to find our opportunities. Barcelona and Porto are probably the two favourites in the group, so it will take a lot of energy and concentration for our players to prepare.
– Shakhtar have previously met with Barcelona and Porto, but never played against Antwerp. What should we expect from a meeting with this club?
– Antwerp are a new team in the Champions League and, of course, will also want to show their qualities as we do.
– How do you assess the chances of your team in this Champions League season and what will Shakhtar show this autumn?
– We will fight in every game, for every opportunity we get to make it possible for our club to continue to look good internationally, so that our players could develop and we could continue to compete in Europe.
– It was a very interesting draw with some great teams for playing and for development of our young players when they face the opponents from these countries. We need to fight. All games give us that opportunity because these teams want to play football like we do. So, I am OK with the group.
– Maybe you had a guess which team you might get on the eve of the draw? Who did you expect to see in the opponents?
– I did not think ahead about which opponent I wanted to get, but in the end I am glad. In my opinion, this year the Champions League has a lot of quality teams, everyone in the first two pots is strong. We got a nice group.
– Who will be more difficult to play against and why?
– All teams want to play football and we have to find our opportunities. Barcelona and Porto are probably the two favourites in the group, so it will take a lot of energy and concentration for our players to prepare.
– Shakhtar have previously met with Barcelona and Porto, but never played against Antwerp. What should we expect from a meeting with this club?
– Antwerp are a new team in the Champions League and, of course, will also want to show their qualities as we do.
– How do you assess the chances of your team in this Champions League season and what will Shakhtar show this autumn?
– We will fight in every game, for every opportunity we get to make it possible for our club to continue to look good internationally, so that our players could develop and we could continue to compete in Europe.