We play for the crest and the fans
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
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Shakhtar midfielder Oleh Ocheretko took part in a press conference ahead of the UEFA Conference League match against Crystal Palace
– Good evening everyone! Tomorrow will be a test for us as a young team, I think. We want to play our attacking football and will try to make our fans happy.
– Ahead of a semi-final, it is very easy to burn out emotionally before the match even kicks off. How do you personally try to keep the right emotional balance and what is the mood like for you and the team?
– The mood is great. We can’t wait to play; everyone is feeling very positive. We also want to feel a great atmosphere at the stadium from our fans.
– Crystal Palace are a very tall team, especially their centre-forwards, while Shakhtar’s average height is lower. How will you deal with that difference?
– Yes, we know they have a very tall striker, but we will play smart, so to speak, and try not to allow crosses into the box for him.
– You have had a challenging path – loans, returning to the team, fighting for a place in the starting line-up. How special is it now to represent the club in a European semi-finals?
– It has indeed been a difficult journey to the Shakhtar first team; I have been to many places and played for different clubs. I’m very happy to represent this crest, this team led by the Mister, and I’m delighted that we have reached the semi-finals. I want to achieve only the best possible result with this club, that’s all.
– You will face the top-five league opponents for the first time this season, with the Premier League considered the strongest in the world. Does this add extra motivation – to prove yourselves against such a side?
– Yes, we have come through a very difficult and demanding journey. We are travelling to different countries every two days, and this will be another tough test, playing against this team. But of course, everyone wants to prove themselves against top-five league sides, especially against a club like Crystal Palace.
– You have three tough matches in terms of level within seven days. Given this intensity and the demanding schedule, have you considered sacrificing the crucial game against Dynamo Kyiv in the Ukrainian league to preserve energy? After all, PSG reschedule matches, Atlético rotate heavily in La Liga to manage their workload, while the Conference League semi-finals do not come around often.
– You know, for us, it does not really matter when we play or at what time – we always give our maximum. These travels only make us stronger. We want to win. We play for this crest, for the fans, and no one can relax – everyone gives everything on the pitch, 100 per cent.
– Ahead of a semi-final, it is very easy to burn out emotionally before the match even kicks off. How do you personally try to keep the right emotional balance and what is the mood like for you and the team?
– The mood is great. We can’t wait to play; everyone is feeling very positive. We also want to feel a great atmosphere at the stadium from our fans.
– Crystal Palace are a very tall team, especially their centre-forwards, while Shakhtar’s average height is lower. How will you deal with that difference?
– Yes, we know they have a very tall striker, but we will play smart, so to speak, and try not to allow crosses into the box for him.
– You have had a challenging path – loans, returning to the team, fighting for a place in the starting line-up. How special is it now to represent the club in a European semi-finals?
– It has indeed been a difficult journey to the Shakhtar first team; I have been to many places and played for different clubs. I’m very happy to represent this crest, this team led by the Mister, and I’m delighted that we have reached the semi-finals. I want to achieve only the best possible result with this club, that’s all.
– You will face the top-five league opponents for the first time this season, with the Premier League considered the strongest in the world. Does this add extra motivation – to prove yourselves against such a side?
– Yes, we have come through a very difficult and demanding journey. We are travelling to different countries every two days, and this will be another tough test, playing against this team. But of course, everyone wants to prove themselves against top-five league sides, especially against a club like Crystal Palace.
– You have three tough matches in terms of level within seven days. Given this intensity and the demanding schedule, have you considered sacrificing the crucial game against Dynamo Kyiv in the Ukrainian league to preserve energy? After all, PSG reschedule matches, Atlético rotate heavily in La Liga to manage their workload, while the Conference League semi-finals do not come around often.
– You know, for us, it does not really matter when we play or at what time – we always give our maximum. These travels only make us stronger. We want to win. We play for this crest, for the fans, and no one can relax – everyone gives everything on the pitch, 100 per cent.