We completed our task in the Conference League – we advanced further
Friday, December 19, 2025
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Shakhtar midfielder Yehor Nazaryna shared his impressions of the UEFA Conference League game against Rijeka
– The final match of 2025 took place, and, probably, you wanted to end it on a winning note, but that didn’t happen. What was missing?
– Finishing. We had opportunities, could have scored, but unfortunately, we didn’t take advantage of the chances we had. I think we played this game quite well, and the most important thing is that we advanced further. That’s the main thing, so congratulations to everyone!
– What are your overall feelings about the team finishing among the top eight and starting the Conference League play-offs from the round of 16?
– That was our objective, we wanted to finish in the top eight, and we achieved it, so we are really happy about that. If someone had told us five months ago, when we started the tournament, that we would be in the top eight, I think we would have agreed straight away. We completed this task – and that is the most important thing.
– Can we now say that there is physical and mental fatigue after six months of such exhausting and productive work?
– Yes, yes, a little. The trips, we are constantly on the road, as you know, so it’s not easy. But we won’t complain. We dream of playing in European competitions, so there’s nothing to complain about here. We are happy that it’s a pleasant, you could say, kind of fatigue. But now it’s the holiday, so we will be recovering and preparing for the training camp.
– Looking back at the first part of the season, how would you describe the team’s journey?
– I would say it hasn’t been easy, but overall positive. We completed our task in the Conference League – we advanced further, and we are also in a good position in the league – sharing first place with an equal number of points. So I’ll say it again: if someone had told us five months ago, I think we would have accepted the positions we are in now in both the European competition and the Ukrainian league. I believe we will keep improving and in the second half of the season we will show even better results than in the first.
– Throughout this time, our fans have been with the team, as always. They have been at Ukrainian stadiums, at arenas around the world and online. What would you like to say to them before the New Year?
– First of all, I would like to thank them for their support during this challenging time for us. That’s the most important thing. I wish them happy New Year holidays, good health, family well-being and to believe – to believe in our victory, in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. I also thank them – without them, none of this would have been possible. Once again: believe in our victory and may everyone have a peaceful sky above their heads!
– Finishing. We had opportunities, could have scored, but unfortunately, we didn’t take advantage of the chances we had. I think we played this game quite well, and the most important thing is that we advanced further. That’s the main thing, so congratulations to everyone!
– What are your overall feelings about the team finishing among the top eight and starting the Conference League play-offs from the round of 16?
– That was our objective, we wanted to finish in the top eight, and we achieved it, so we are really happy about that. If someone had told us five months ago, when we started the tournament, that we would be in the top eight, I think we would have agreed straight away. We completed this task – and that is the most important thing.
– Can we now say that there is physical and mental fatigue after six months of such exhausting and productive work?
– Yes, yes, a little. The trips, we are constantly on the road, as you know, so it’s not easy. But we won’t complain. We dream of playing in European competitions, so there’s nothing to complain about here. We are happy that it’s a pleasant, you could say, kind of fatigue. But now it’s the holiday, so we will be recovering and preparing for the training camp.
– Looking back at the first part of the season, how would you describe the team’s journey?
– I would say it hasn’t been easy, but overall positive. We completed our task in the Conference League – we advanced further, and we are also in a good position in the league – sharing first place with an equal number of points. So I’ll say it again: if someone had told us five months ago, I think we would have accepted the positions we are in now in both the European competition and the Ukrainian league. I believe we will keep improving and in the second half of the season we will show even better results than in the first.
– Throughout this time, our fans have been with the team, as always. They have been at Ukrainian stadiums, at arenas around the world and online. What would you like to say to them before the New Year?
– First of all, I would like to thank them for their support during this challenging time for us. That’s the most important thing. I wish them happy New Year holidays, good health, family well-being and to believe – to believe in our victory, in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. I also thank them – without them, none of this would have been possible. Once again: believe in our victory and may everyone have a peaceful sky above their heads!