It is not the chances that matter, but the heart you appear on the field with
Tuesday, May 14, 2024
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Press conference of Vorskla head coach Serhii Dolhanskyi and the team captain Ihor Perduta ahead of the Ukrainian Cup final against Shakhtar
– This is the first Ukrainian Cup final in so many years and after the start of a full-scale war. How much does it motivate you?
Serhii Dolhanskyi:
– First of all, we understand why we are here, so we owe a lot of gratitude and respect to the people who protect our homeland. Last year we didn't even think or dream about it, so it's all thanks to them. And this game will be dedicated to them. As for the match, it is the final. It is a large event for teams like Vorskla. Shakhtar may play in the final in a year or every year, but for us it is an event that creates the history of our club. There is even nothing to talk about here: this is the event for which we play football at all and it is a great motivation for all of us. It doesn't matter what came before, it's just one game that decides everything.
Serhii Dolhanskyi:
– First of all, we understand why we are here, so we owe a lot of gratitude and respect to the people who protect our homeland. Last year we didn't even think or dream about it, so it's all thanks to them. And this game will be dedicated to them. As for the match, it is the final. It is a large event for teams like Vorskla. Shakhtar may play in the final in a year or every year, but for us it is an event that creates the history of our club. There is even nothing to talk about here: this is the event for which we play football at all and it is a great motivation for all of us. It doesn't matter what came before, it's just one game that decides everything.
I hope we will show our best and please the fans of Poltava and Ukraine
Ihor Perduta:
– First of all, I also want to thank the Armed Forces of Ukraine for the fact that we can afford to play the Ukrainian Cup final and the championship at all. As for the significance of this game, it is a very important match. I hope we will show our best and please the fans of Poltava and Ukraine.
– Did you approach this match with the optimum line-up? Are there those who will not be able to help the team tomorrow?
Serhii Dolhanskyi:
– Now everyone is in the ranks, everyone is preparing for the game, so we are counting on all the players who are in the squad.
– Serhii Dolhanskyi participated in the final match between Vorskla and Shakhtar in 2009. Did you discuss it with the team in the dressing room?
Ihor Perduta:
– Yes, the guys said that Mr Dolhanskyi knows how to beat Shakhtar and he showed it in 2009. Let it stay in the dressing room. I think he will tell us everything today and tomorrow in more detail and give us some hints. And I hope we can do it tomorrow.
– Please remember the final of 2009, what emotions did you have back then? And will you be able to convey those emotions to the team to bring the trophy back to Poltava?
Serhii Dolhanskyi:
– At that time, Shakhtar won the UEFA Cup and no one gave us any chances. In general, no one expected it. You see, courage is important in such games. Not the fear of losing, but the courage to win. And that team had it. But these are completely different stories. There are different players now: different Shakhtar, different Vorskla. Therefore, you need to choose other words: it doesn't matter who has what chances, what matters is what heart you appear on the field with.
– First of all, I also want to thank the Armed Forces of Ukraine for the fact that we can afford to play the Ukrainian Cup final and the championship at all. As for the significance of this game, it is a very important match. I hope we will show our best and please the fans of Poltava and Ukraine.
– Did you approach this match with the optimum line-up? Are there those who will not be able to help the team tomorrow?
Serhii Dolhanskyi:
– Now everyone is in the ranks, everyone is preparing for the game, so we are counting on all the players who are in the squad.
– Serhii Dolhanskyi participated in the final match between Vorskla and Shakhtar in 2009. Did you discuss it with the team in the dressing room?
Ihor Perduta:
– Yes, the guys said that Mr Dolhanskyi knows how to beat Shakhtar and he showed it in 2009. Let it stay in the dressing room. I think he will tell us everything today and tomorrow in more detail and give us some hints. And I hope we can do it tomorrow.
– Please remember the final of 2009, what emotions did you have back then? And will you be able to convey those emotions to the team to bring the trophy back to Poltava?
Serhii Dolhanskyi:
– At that time, Shakhtar won the UEFA Cup and no one gave us any chances. In general, no one expected it. You see, courage is important in such games. Not the fear of losing, but the courage to win. And that team had it. But these are completely different stories. There are different players now: different Shakhtar, different Vorskla. Therefore, you need to choose other words: it doesn't matter who has what chances, what matters is what heart you appear on the field with.
