I’m ready to give everything for Shakhtar
Sunday, February 22, 2026
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Shakhtar forward and hat-trick scorer Lassina Traore shared his impressions of the match against Karpaty
– Shakhtar secured their first victory of 2026. What was the fight for these important three points like?
– First of all, we are happy with the win! It was a very important game. All our rivals won, so we had to take victory in order to make a good start to the second part of the season. I’ll say again, we are very happy with the win.
– Shakhtar had the majority of possession, but managed to convert their chance only in the 67th minute. What prevented you from scoring earlier?
– I think it’s because this is the start of the second part of the season. We are still, in a way, in training mode, at camp, and we need to restart the engine. We will keep pressing, and it doesn’t matter whether I score next time or someone else does. If Shakhtar win, that’s the most important thing.
– In the 65th minute you came on and converted your first chance within two minutes. Overall, you managed to score a hat-trick in the match, so tell us what motivated and inspired you so much.
– It’s my love for this club. It doesn’t matter whether I come on as a substitute or start from the first minute – I always give everything. If I’m in form, I’ll give my whole heart to this club. I’m very happy about these goals.
– Did you receive any personal or special instructions from Arda Turan and his coaching staff?
– Yes, they always push me to become better for myself and for the team. I know what they expect from me and I also know my qualities that can help Shakhtar. This was my moment: I came on and did my job, so I’m happy. As I’ve already said, I’m always ready to give everything for this club when I’m needed.
– Did you have any intuition or confidence that you would score a hat-trick in this match? Can you recall all those moments?
– Intuition – no, but I had extra motivation because two days earlier I lost my adoptive father in Amsterdam. May he rest in peace. I had additional motivation to score for him, to honour his memory. May God grant him peace. In the first episode, I didn’t even know I had scored, but then I heard the crowd applauding and realised that I had found the net. I heard it while standing with my back to the goal. After the first goal, there was more confidence and freedom in the game, and everything started to flow naturally. For a forward with confidence, everything comes more easily.
– Shakhtar’s potential rivals in the title race picked up important points in round 17. Can we say that the battle for the title is becoming more interesting?
– Of course! Ever since I’ve been at this club, the second part of the season has always been crazy. I have that experience, and we’ll pass it on to the younger players in the dressing room so that they’re ready. The second half of the season isn’t easy and will be very demanding because everyone will be picking up points. We have to stay focused and fight for the crest.
– Did you miss the fans in the stands? Did you feel their support?
– Very much so! I was out for a long time and didn’t play in the first part of the season, so coming back here and playing in front of the fans is always a great feeling. I’ve been at the club for a long time, we’re like a family: they already love me, and I love them too.
– First of all, we are happy with the win! It was a very important game. All our rivals won, so we had to take victory in order to make a good start to the second part of the season. I’ll say again, we are very happy with the win.
– Shakhtar had the majority of possession, but managed to convert their chance only in the 67th minute. What prevented you from scoring earlier?
– I think it’s because this is the start of the second part of the season. We are still, in a way, in training mode, at camp, and we need to restart the engine. We will keep pressing, and it doesn’t matter whether I score next time or someone else does. If Shakhtar win, that’s the most important thing.
– In the 65th minute you came on and converted your first chance within two minutes. Overall, you managed to score a hat-trick in the match, so tell us what motivated and inspired you so much.
– It’s my love for this club. It doesn’t matter whether I come on as a substitute or start from the first minute – I always give everything. If I’m in form, I’ll give my whole heart to this club. I’m very happy about these goals.
– Did you receive any personal or special instructions from Arda Turan and his coaching staff?
– Yes, they always push me to become better for myself and for the team. I know what they expect from me and I also know my qualities that can help Shakhtar. This was my moment: I came on and did my job, so I’m happy. As I’ve already said, I’m always ready to give everything for this club when I’m needed.
– Did you have any intuition or confidence that you would score a hat-trick in this match? Can you recall all those moments?
– Intuition – no, but I had extra motivation because two days earlier I lost my adoptive father in Amsterdam. May he rest in peace. I had additional motivation to score for him, to honour his memory. May God grant him peace. In the first episode, I didn’t even know I had scored, but then I heard the crowd applauding and realised that I had found the net. I heard it while standing with my back to the goal. After the first goal, there was more confidence and freedom in the game, and everything started to flow naturally. For a forward with confidence, everything comes more easily.
– Shakhtar’s potential rivals in the title race picked up important points in round 17. Can we say that the battle for the title is becoming more interesting?
– Of course! Ever since I’ve been at this club, the second part of the season has always been crazy. I have that experience, and we’ll pass it on to the younger players in the dressing room so that they’re ready. The second half of the season isn’t easy and will be very demanding because everyone will be picking up points. We have to stay focused and fight for the crest.
– Did you miss the fans in the stands? Did you feel their support?
– Very much so! I was out for a long time and didn’t play in the first part of the season, so coming back here and playing in front of the fans is always a great feeling. I’ve been at the club for a long time, we’re like a family: they already love me, and I love them too.