We deserved to be champions
Sunday, May 12, 2024
|
Shakhtar midfielder Taras Stepanenko in the post-match interview with UPL.TV – about the title, victory over Dynamo (1-0) and readiness for Euro 2024
– Taras, it is the 15th title for Shakhtar and the 10th for you. What are your emotions?
– I am happy, we won! It was a difficult season - there were ups and downs, but now we deserved to be champions. We had a very good half-year, not only without losses, but also without draws, and won all matches, so we deserved to mark a decisive end. I think no one will have any questions. Everyone is happy, we will rest a little and prepare for the Cup. We still have a chance to take it, and then we will prepare for the national team.
– In your opinion, what were you able and not able to implement in the match with Dynamo?
– It is hard to say. We played according to the game, started the match very well and basically controlled the ball and scored a goal. In the second half, we were already waiting for our chances, because we understood that Dynamo only needed a victory, and they would attack, but we did not let them create anything.
– At the moment of the penalty, you were on the bench, but it seems that you saw the episode very well. How do you rate it, what did you see?
– There was a shot, and the ball hit the arm. The referee reviewed the VAR, everything is clear, I think that there are no questions. I did not see the replay, but the guys and the coaches were watching and said it was 100 percent a penalty.
– Can it be considered that Shakhtar played for the result to some extent in the second half?
– Yes, what is the rush? We waited for our chance. There were a few attacks and Dynamo moved forward to equalise the score, but we controlled the game and they did not create 100% moments.
– Many fans are worried about your readiness for Euro 2024. How do you feel?
– I feel fine, I recovered after the injury and I am training at full capacity. I do not play much, but this is life. I am a professional and do everything that is required of me so that the team win. Of course, I want to play more, but the head coach decides that. Over the years with the team, I have always given my all and done my job both on and off the field. Of course I want to play more and I think I deserve it, so we will see what happens in the summer.
– How would you rate the importance of the fact that the last two matches after the Cup will be more relaxing for many Shakhtar players?
– The guys who played more, of course, will be able to rest, and those who played less, I think that they will be given a chance to play the matches before going to the national team. It will be right, and I expect it.
– I am happy, we won! It was a difficult season - there were ups and downs, but now we deserved to be champions. We had a very good half-year, not only without losses, but also without draws, and won all matches, so we deserved to mark a decisive end. I think no one will have any questions. Everyone is happy, we will rest a little and prepare for the Cup. We still have a chance to take it, and then we will prepare for the national team.
– In your opinion, what were you able and not able to implement in the match with Dynamo?
– It is hard to say. We played according to the game, started the match very well and basically controlled the ball and scored a goal. In the second half, we were already waiting for our chances, because we understood that Dynamo only needed a victory, and they would attack, but we did not let them create anything.
– At the moment of the penalty, you were on the bench, but it seems that you saw the episode very well. How do you rate it, what did you see?
– There was a shot, and the ball hit the arm. The referee reviewed the VAR, everything is clear, I think that there are no questions. I did not see the replay, but the guys and the coaches were watching and said it was 100 percent a penalty.
– Can it be considered that Shakhtar played for the result to some extent in the second half?
– Yes, what is the rush? We waited for our chance. There were a few attacks and Dynamo moved forward to equalise the score, but we controlled the game and they did not create 100% moments.
– Many fans are worried about your readiness for Euro 2024. How do you feel?
– I feel fine, I recovered after the injury and I am training at full capacity. I do not play much, but this is life. I am a professional and do everything that is required of me so that the team win. Of course, I want to play more, but the head coach decides that. Over the years with the team, I have always given my all and done my job both on and off the field. Of course I want to play more and I think I deserve it, so we will see what happens in the summer.
– How would you rate the importance of the fact that the last two matches after the Cup will be more relaxing for many Shakhtar players?
– The guys who played more, of course, will be able to rest, and those who played less, I think that they will be given a chance to play the matches before going to the national team. It will be right, and I expect it.