We have every opportunity to qualify
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
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Shakhtar midfielder Marlon Gomes answered journalists’ questions at the press conference ahead of the match against Panathinaikos
– Considering the first match against Panathinaikos, how would you characterise the opponents? And what do the team need to do to achieve a positive result tomorrow? (Shakhtar TV)
– We’ve been training very intensively during this period. I believe we completed all of Mister’s tasks and requirements. It was quite a long week, with both training sessions and domestic league matches. And I believe we have every opportunity to qualify. If God wills, we will definitely do it. I’m confident we have no shortage of either energy or desire. And we will do everything in our power to achieve this goal.
– Tomorrow you will have a key role in midfield. How ready are you for this? Are you prepared for the possibility that it might take not just 90 minutes, but extra time as well? (Terrikon.com)
– As I’ve mentioned before, we are indeed well prepared. I believe that up to this point we have worked really hard. We’ve trained well, not only in terms of the number of sessions, but also, of course, their quality. I sincerely hope we won’t need extra time or penalties. I really hope we can settle everything during regular time and, of course, in our favour. Everything is in our hands, as I’ve said. If God allows us to qualify and play in the next round, I’ll be very happy to secure victory as early as possible. But first and foremost, our main goal is to reach the Europa League play-offs. And I can assure you that, from both my side and the team’s, everything possible will be done to achieve this goal.
– The team currently have a tight schedule, with two matches per week. How does this affect you and how are you feeling? (Shakhtar TV)
– Mister said that everyone would get their chance from the very beginning. As you can see, we are using a lot of players and involving the entire squad. That’s how we prepared from the start, knowing from last season’s results that we would have to play in the qualifying round. I believe we truly have excellent footballers we can rely on, rotating them from one game to another Especially considering that we need to compete both in the domestic league and in European competitions. Yes, it’s true that we have many matches right now, but as footballers, we’ve been used to this format from the beginning, perhaps even playing more frequently than others. Of course, there is lack of rest from time to time, but as I’ve said, we are gradually getting used to it. We know our goals and what we need to follow. I believe we are already somewhat adapted to this format. Tomorrow we face a strong opponents and the game will be tough. But I’m confident that everything is under control and we are capable of winning.
– We’ve been training very intensively during this period. I believe we completed all of Mister’s tasks and requirements. It was quite a long week, with both training sessions and domestic league matches. And I believe we have every opportunity to qualify. If God wills, we will definitely do it. I’m confident we have no shortage of either energy or desire. And we will do everything in our power to achieve this goal.
– Tomorrow you will have a key role in midfield. How ready are you for this? Are you prepared for the possibility that it might take not just 90 minutes, but extra time as well? (Terrikon.com)
– As I’ve mentioned before, we are indeed well prepared. I believe that up to this point we have worked really hard. We’ve trained well, not only in terms of the number of sessions, but also, of course, their quality. I sincerely hope we won’t need extra time or penalties. I really hope we can settle everything during regular time and, of course, in our favour. Everything is in our hands, as I’ve said. If God allows us to qualify and play in the next round, I’ll be very happy to secure victory as early as possible. But first and foremost, our main goal is to reach the Europa League play-offs. And I can assure you that, from both my side and the team’s, everything possible will be done to achieve this goal.
– The team currently have a tight schedule, with two matches per week. How does this affect you and how are you feeling? (Shakhtar TV)
– Mister said that everyone would get their chance from the very beginning. As you can see, we are using a lot of players and involving the entire squad. That’s how we prepared from the start, knowing from last season’s results that we would have to play in the qualifying round. I believe we truly have excellent footballers we can rely on, rotating them from one game to another Especially considering that we need to compete both in the domestic league and in European competitions. Yes, it’s true that we have many matches right now, but as footballers, we’ve been used to this format from the beginning, perhaps even playing more frequently than others. Of course, there is lack of rest from time to time, but as I’ve said, we are gradually getting used to it. We know our goals and what we need to follow. I believe we are already somewhat adapted to this format. Tomorrow we face a strong opponents and the game will be tough. But I’m confident that everything is under control and we are capable of winning.