The game was completely under our control
Monday, August 18, 2025
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Shakhtar defender Yukhym Konoplia reflects on the win against Veres (2-0), his condition after injury and the team’s mood
– Yukhym, analyse Shakhtar’s win against Veres.
– I think the game was completely under our control – from the first to the last minute. Veres tried to stop us from scoring, but it was good that we managed to do it before the break, that goal was very important. And overall, the opponents didn’t cause us any real problems.
– It was your goal at the end of the first half that gave the team confidence. Recall that moment and tell us about your celebration.
– I’ll start with the celebration. We agreed with our driver Yurii that if I scored, I would celebrate exactly like that. He was very glad: as soon as he saw me, he was almost in tears. It was important that we scored from a set piece because the game was difficult, and the dry pitch made quick ball movement tricky throughout the first half. It’s good we managed to get a goal right at the end of the half.
– In the second half you asked to be substituted. What happened and is anything still bothering you now?
– Yes, I’ve got a slight problem with the hamstring. I felt some discomfort during a sprint, so I immediately asked to be substituted. We’ll work with the doctors to get me back on the pitch as soon as possible.
– What’s the mood like in the team after the tough game against the Greeks in Kraków, ahead of the next European tie?
– Of course, we were all a bit down after that game. It was a difficult game, but the lads did really well: even with ten men we had more chances and outplayed the Greeks. A penalty shootout is always a lottery, you never know how it will end. But we’re glad we managed to win now, so we’ll move forward with fresh energy.
– I think the game was completely under our control – from the first to the last minute. Veres tried to stop us from scoring, but it was good that we managed to do it before the break, that goal was very important. And overall, the opponents didn’t cause us any real problems.
– It was your goal at the end of the first half that gave the team confidence. Recall that moment and tell us about your celebration.
– I’ll start with the celebration. We agreed with our driver Yurii that if I scored, I would celebrate exactly like that. He was very glad: as soon as he saw me, he was almost in tears. It was important that we scored from a set piece because the game was difficult, and the dry pitch made quick ball movement tricky throughout the first half. It’s good we managed to get a goal right at the end of the half.
– In the second half you asked to be substituted. What happened and is anything still bothering you now?
– Yes, I’ve got a slight problem with the hamstring. I felt some discomfort during a sprint, so I immediately asked to be substituted. We’ll work with the doctors to get me back on the pitch as soon as possible.
– What’s the mood like in the team after the tough game against the Greeks in Kraków, ahead of the next European tie?
– Of course, we were all a bit down after that game. It was a difficult game, but the lads did really well: even with ten men we had more chances and outplayed the Greeks. A penalty shootout is always a lottery, you never know how it will end. But we’re glad we managed to win now, so we’ll move forward with fresh energy.