I’m happy both with my work at the camp and the coaches' trust
Sunday, July 26, 2026
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Shakhtar midfielder Viktor Tsukanov reflected on the friendly against Al-Ula and shared his thoughts on the pre-season campaign
– Viktor, how would you sum up this friendly and what did the team lack to get the win?
– As for the match, we didn't allow the opponents to create anything. We had a few chances and plenty of half-chances ourselves, but we were just lacking a bit of match sharpness. That's what friendlies are for, though – to make sure we're fully ready once the league season starts.
– Did Arda Turan say anything after the match? We noticed he was talking to the players at half-time. What were his main takeaways from the game?
– We haven't had a talk after the match yet. At half-time, though, the coach told us not to give away simple balls and that we needed to raise the tempo.
– How was this training camp for you? It seemed to go pretty well from your perspective.
– Whether it was successful or not, we'll see once the league season gets under way. But of course I'm pleased – I featured in every match and I'm happy both with my work and with the trust of the coaching staff.
– Do you feel you're a stronger player now than you were six months ago during the winter training camp?
– Yes, definitely. I feel I'm improving every day in this team, surrounded by top coaches and strong teammates.
– How would you assess Shakhtar's readiness for the start of the season?
– I think the team are fully ready. We've got one more match to play, and I believe we'll be completely prepared for the start of the championship.
– What's your main goal for the upcoming season and what's your biggest dream?
– My goal is to win the league with the team and play as many matches as possible. In the Champions League, we want to go as far as we can – at least reach the knockout stage. My ultimate dream is to win the Champions League.
– As for the match, we didn't allow the opponents to create anything. We had a few chances and plenty of half-chances ourselves, but we were just lacking a bit of match sharpness. That's what friendlies are for, though – to make sure we're fully ready once the league season starts.
– Did Arda Turan say anything after the match? We noticed he was talking to the players at half-time. What were his main takeaways from the game?
– We haven't had a talk after the match yet. At half-time, though, the coach told us not to give away simple balls and that we needed to raise the tempo.
– How was this training camp for you? It seemed to go pretty well from your perspective.
– Whether it was successful or not, we'll see once the league season gets under way. But of course I'm pleased – I featured in every match and I'm happy both with my work and with the trust of the coaching staff.
– Do you feel you're a stronger player now than you were six months ago during the winter training camp?
– Yes, definitely. I feel I'm improving every day in this team, surrounded by top coaches and strong teammates.
– How would you assess Shakhtar's readiness for the start of the season?
– I think the team are fully ready. We've got one more match to play, and I believe we'll be completely prepared for the start of the championship.
– What's your main goal for the upcoming season and what's your biggest dream?
– My goal is to win the league with the team and play as many matches as possible. In the Champions League, we want to go as far as we can – at least reach the knockout stage. My ultimate dream is to win the Champions League.