My aim is to break into the first team
Sunday, October 5, 2025
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Shakhtar midfielder Viktor Tsukanov reflects on the victory, his brace against LNZ U19, productivity and goals for the season
– Viktor, congratulations on the win! Share your impressions of the match.
– The team played excellently and confidently, not allowing the opponents to create any danger near our goal. At the same time, we had plenty of scoring chances that should have been converted, but unfortunately, not all of them were converted into goals. Compared to last year, the LNZ U19 squad has been renewed and now consists of experienced players, so we prepared for the match accordingly, understanding that they could pick up points if we lost concentration.
– In this match, you made a significant contribution to the victory by scoring a brace. What do these goals mean to you and how do they affect your confidence?
– Of course, goals have an impact on motivation, especially when they are the first ones since the start of the championship. And naturally, I want to keep going in the same way. I managed to score the first goal after a set play: I made a run outside the penalty area, struck the ball and it hit the target after a deflection. The second goal also came after a set play: I received a pass from Kanteh and it felt as if I’d scored in Zidane’s style. I dedicated these goals to my girlfriend.
– You regularly train with Shakhtar’s first team while also gaining match practice with the youth side. Tell us about this experience.
– Training with the first team is an invaluable experience, as Shakhtar are a team of champions’ level. Naturally, it helps you progress faster and more effectively. As for match experience with the youth team, that is also very important, as it allows you to maintain rhythm and stay in good shape. This is essential primarily so that, if needed by the first team, I can immediately strengthen the squad or replace someone.
– What goals have you set for yourself this season?
– Undoubtedly, my aim is to break into the first team, and if that doesn’t happen, then of course I want to become the national champion in my final year with Shakhtar U19.
– The team played excellently and confidently, not allowing the opponents to create any danger near our goal. At the same time, we had plenty of scoring chances that should have been converted, but unfortunately, not all of them were converted into goals. Compared to last year, the LNZ U19 squad has been renewed and now consists of experienced players, so we prepared for the match accordingly, understanding that they could pick up points if we lost concentration.
– In this match, you made a significant contribution to the victory by scoring a brace. What do these goals mean to you and how do they affect your confidence?
– Of course, goals have an impact on motivation, especially when they are the first ones since the start of the championship. And naturally, I want to keep going in the same way. I managed to score the first goal after a set play: I made a run outside the penalty area, struck the ball and it hit the target after a deflection. The second goal also came after a set play: I received a pass from Kanteh and it felt as if I’d scored in Zidane’s style. I dedicated these goals to my girlfriend.
– You regularly train with Shakhtar’s first team while also gaining match practice with the youth side. Tell us about this experience.
– Training with the first team is an invaluable experience, as Shakhtar are a team of champions’ level. Naturally, it helps you progress faster and more effectively. As for match experience with the youth team, that is also very important, as it allows you to maintain rhythm and stay in good shape. This is essential primarily so that, if needed by the first team, I can immediately strengthen the squad or replace someone.
– What goals have you set for yourself this season?
– Undoubtedly, my aim is to break into the first team, and if that doesn’t happen, then of course I want to become the national champion in my final year with Shakhtar U19.