It is always difficult to play against such teams
Friday, November 28, 2025
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Shakhtar goalkeeper Kiril Fesiun reflects on the match against Shamrock Rovers, his own performance and the objectives for the UEFA Conference League
– Congratulations on the win! How do you assess the match against the Irish side and what was the most challenging aspect from a goalkeeper’s point of view?
– Thank you for the congratulations! It is always difficult to play against such teams – Irish, English, Scottish – because they are opponents with fighting qualities and strong athletic preparation. So it is very hard to play, and on top of that the weather was not easy either – the strong wind affected the flow of the game.
– Dmytro Riznyk picked up an injury during the pre-match warm-up and you were immediately told that you would start. How did you react to such sudden changes and what was there more of – nerves or focus?
– We must always be ready; even if you are not playing, you have to prepare. Yes, it was an unfortunate loss for Dmytro, who felt pain. I was confused for a few seconds and then everything settled. If we work and prepare properly, everything is fine.
– We saw some fantastic play off the line and impressive saves from you. How would you comment on that and which moment stood out to you the most?
– I’ve just told our fitness coach that he should put a tracker on me for the next match to check my speed. Probably the moment when I ran over to the Mister – that’s the one I remember the most.
– Why?
– I don’t know, perhaps because I picked up such speed.
– And what do you feel in such moments? You react with real confidence, you come out bravely, without fear.
– You see, we were playing against a team that are aggressive, who immediately play the ball forward and on top of that the wind was so strong that I had to cover for our defenders because as soon as they intercepted the ball, they would immediately play it forward to the striker. So I was trying to cover for our defenders wherever I could.
– Everyone is delighted after this victory. What was happening in the dressing room?
– A celebratory mood. Because first and foremost, it is a victory, three points. Yes, perhaps the quality of our play needs to be better in some aspects, but I believe the weather simply made its own adjustments. But three points are three points. So we are very happy!
– Did Arda Turan say anything special? What exactly?
– No, nothing in particular. He just said that we are on the right path. And that is basically it.
– The main objective now is to reach the last eight. After this match, how much closer have Shakhtar come to that goal?
– I believe we are moving in the right direction. We are working and I’m confident that we will reach the Conference League Round of 16.
– Thank you for the congratulations! It is always difficult to play against such teams – Irish, English, Scottish – because they are opponents with fighting qualities and strong athletic preparation. So it is very hard to play, and on top of that the weather was not easy either – the strong wind affected the flow of the game.
– Dmytro Riznyk picked up an injury during the pre-match warm-up and you were immediately told that you would start. How did you react to such sudden changes and what was there more of – nerves or focus?
– We must always be ready; even if you are not playing, you have to prepare. Yes, it was an unfortunate loss for Dmytro, who felt pain. I was confused for a few seconds and then everything settled. If we work and prepare properly, everything is fine.
– We saw some fantastic play off the line and impressive saves from you. How would you comment on that and which moment stood out to you the most?
– I’ve just told our fitness coach that he should put a tracker on me for the next match to check my speed. Probably the moment when I ran over to the Mister – that’s the one I remember the most.
– Why?
– I don’t know, perhaps because I picked up such speed.
– And what do you feel in such moments? You react with real confidence, you come out bravely, without fear.
– You see, we were playing against a team that are aggressive, who immediately play the ball forward and on top of that the wind was so strong that I had to cover for our defenders because as soon as they intercepted the ball, they would immediately play it forward to the striker. So I was trying to cover for our defenders wherever I could.
– Everyone is delighted after this victory. What was happening in the dressing room?
– A celebratory mood. Because first and foremost, it is a victory, three points. Yes, perhaps the quality of our play needs to be better in some aspects, but I believe the weather simply made its own adjustments. But three points are three points. So we are very happy!
– Did Arda Turan say anything special? What exactly?
– No, nothing in particular. He just said that we are on the right path. And that is basically it.
– The main objective now is to reach the last eight. After this match, how much closer have Shakhtar come to that goal?
– I believe we are moving in the right direction. We are working and I’m confident that we will reach the Conference League Round of 16.