We had chances to at least draw
Wednesday, October 23, 2024
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Shakhtar defender Yukhym Konoplia shared his impressions of the Champions League match against Arsenal
– Yukhym, Shakhtar narrowly lost to Arsenal in London. What will be your analysis of the game?
– Of course, the first 20–25 minutes were very difficult for us because they are, after all, one of the top teams in the world, and we gradually adapted to their play, to the way they press, what they do with the ball. But after that we showed our mettle, and it was due to this and desire that we managed to turn the game around a bit, create several chances, take control of the ball and the game as a whole. And also we had opportunities to score.
– Based on your impressions there, on the football field, what can you say about such giants as Arsenal?
– You know, they felt faster, bigger in the first minutes, as if they had one more player on the field. But, as I said, when we adapted and got into the rhythm, we got used to it and understood that we can play against them, we can play our football.
– What worked best in your performance in defence? Was it possible to act qualitatively against Arsenal players?
– I think so. Of course, they had deliveries and chances, but we fought, backed each other. Probably, it was because we fought on the pitch and supported each other that we managed not to concede more than one goal. Yes, that was also a bit of bad luck because the ball hit the goal so treacherously, there are no words to describe it.
– What moment, in your opinion, became the key in the confrontation and did you feel that the course of the game could change in favour of Shakhtar?
– Yes, it was felt when we took control of the ball in the last 20–30 minutes. I think Arsenal players felt it. This is what may have physically broken them somewhere: they are human too and can become physically exhausted just like us. But thanks to our character, we were able to take the game under our control and had chances, had very good opportunities to score and at least draw.
– Did you expect that Dmytro Riznyk could save a penalty? What did they say to him after this episode?
Of course, because if you remember, Dmytro saved some great penalties back when he played for Vorskla, and here, it's probably no different for him – just another spot-kick. The player took the shot, whether he read it or just positioned himself well – I don't know, that's his goalkeeping expertise. Indeed, we were happy for him, and it encouraged us to move forward.
– What conclusions can be drawn before the next matches of the Champions League?
– The conclusion is as follows: if we can play against Arsenal, a team that are fighting for the title in the strongest league in the world – and I think they will be fighting for the Champions League, that's for sure – then we have to go and play our football, show our best qualities with every team we face in the future.
– There were a lot of positive things in general, the presence of Ukrainian fans in particular. What can you say about it?
– I want to thank our fans because when I came out for the warm-up, it was very pleasant and, to be honest, unexpected to see so many of our supporters – almost the entire corner section was packed. It was heard during the game how they supported us, how they sang. And, of course, a big thank you to all our fans who are now in Ukraine and supported us by watching the game on TV. We also want to thank our soldiers, who we hope felt some positive emotions from our performance, despite the result.
– Of course, the first 20–25 minutes were very difficult for us because they are, after all, one of the top teams in the world, and we gradually adapted to their play, to the way they press, what they do with the ball. But after that we showed our mettle, and it was due to this and desire that we managed to turn the game around a bit, create several chances, take control of the ball and the game as a whole. And also we had opportunities to score.
– Based on your impressions there, on the football field, what can you say about such giants as Arsenal?
– You know, they felt faster, bigger in the first minutes, as if they had one more player on the field. But, as I said, when we adapted and got into the rhythm, we got used to it and understood that we can play against them, we can play our football.
– What worked best in your performance in defence? Was it possible to act qualitatively against Arsenal players?
– I think so. Of course, they had deliveries and chances, but we fought, backed each other. Probably, it was because we fought on the pitch and supported each other that we managed not to concede more than one goal. Yes, that was also a bit of bad luck because the ball hit the goal so treacherously, there are no words to describe it.
– What moment, in your opinion, became the key in the confrontation and did you feel that the course of the game could change in favour of Shakhtar?
– Yes, it was felt when we took control of the ball in the last 20–30 minutes. I think Arsenal players felt it. This is what may have physically broken them somewhere: they are human too and can become physically exhausted just like us. But thanks to our character, we were able to take the game under our control and had chances, had very good opportunities to score and at least draw.
– Did you expect that Dmytro Riznyk could save a penalty? What did they say to him after this episode?
Of course, because if you remember, Dmytro saved some great penalties back when he played for Vorskla, and here, it's probably no different for him – just another spot-kick. The player took the shot, whether he read it or just positioned himself well – I don't know, that's his goalkeeping expertise. Indeed, we were happy for him, and it encouraged us to move forward.
– What conclusions can be drawn before the next matches of the Champions League?
– The conclusion is as follows: if we can play against Arsenal, a team that are fighting for the title in the strongest league in the world – and I think they will be fighting for the Champions League, that's for sure – then we have to go and play our football, show our best qualities with every team we face in the future.
– There were a lot of positive things in general, the presence of Ukrainian fans in particular. What can you say about it?
– I want to thank our fans because when I came out for the warm-up, it was very pleasant and, to be honest, unexpected to see so many of our supporters – almost the entire corner section was packed. It was heard during the game how they supported us, how they sang. And, of course, a big thank you to all our fans who are now in Ukraine and supported us by watching the game on TV. We also want to thank our soldiers, who we hope felt some positive emotions from our performance, despite the result.