You have to be ready for anything and keep working
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
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Shakhtar midfielder Oleh Ocheretko held an online meeting with participants in the Shakhtar Social charitable foundation's social projects
Children from the Come on, Let’s Play! project, implemented in partnership with DTEK in Mykulychyn, joined the meeting, along with participants in United Together, supported by The Sir Bobby Charlton Foundation in Lozova, and young athletes from Pace for Health, delivered as part of the Erasmus+ Sport programme in the Kharkiv region.
During the online meeting, participants had the opportunity to ask Oleh about his football journey and career at Shakhtar, find out how he deals with pre-match nerves and hear his advice for those dreaming of becoming professional footballers. It is worth noting that all of the children received gifts from the player.
During the online meeting, participants had the opportunity to ask Oleh about his football journey and career at Shakhtar, find out how he deals with pre-match nerves and hear his advice for those dreaming of becoming professional footballers. It is worth noting that all of the children received gifts from the player.
It was a really enjoyable experience because events like this mean a lot to children. I'm glad that Shakhtar organises them and that we have the opportunity to spend more time together
Oleh Ocheretko, Shakhtar midfielder:
– It was a really enjoyable experience because events like this mean a lot to children. I'm glad that Shakhtar organises them and that we have the opportunity to spend more time together. I remember seeing footballers when I was a child. It was incredible, like meeting the president. I was even too nervous to go up to them and shake their hands. That's why I want to give these children positive emotions and see them smiling during such a difficult time. I wish them to believe in themselves and always strive to be the best.
– Which Shakhtar match stands out most in your career?
– Probably my Champions League debut against Celtic. It was a home game, and it was the first time I'd been named in the matchday squad. I didn't even expect to get on the pitch, but the coach gave me the opportunity. I was absolutely delighted, even though it came as a bit of a surprise.
– Can you share your thoughts on Shakhtar's summer signings and how the newcomers are settling in?
– They’re good signings. We've already seen their quality on the ball. I think they'll help the team. Overall, the new players are settling in really well because we're helping them adapt.
– Italy's Andrea Maldera was recently appointed head coach of the Ukraine national team. Have you noticed any similarities between his approach and Arda Turan's?
– Yes! It's all about playing with the ball, controlling it and winning it back quickly after losing it so that you always have possession. There are actually a lot of similarities.
– How do you deal with pre-match nerves and what advice would you give to children who dream of becoming professional footballers?
– The nerves went away over time as I started playing more regularly at the top level. My coach also helped me with that. You have to be ready for anything and keep working, even if people laugh at you. Above all, you need to believe in yourself and think about your own future.
– It was a really enjoyable experience because events like this mean a lot to children. I'm glad that Shakhtar organises them and that we have the opportunity to spend more time together. I remember seeing footballers when I was a child. It was incredible, like meeting the president. I was even too nervous to go up to them and shake their hands. That's why I want to give these children positive emotions and see them smiling during such a difficult time. I wish them to believe in themselves and always strive to be the best.
– Which Shakhtar match stands out most in your career?
– Probably my Champions League debut against Celtic. It was a home game, and it was the first time I'd been named in the matchday squad. I didn't even expect to get on the pitch, but the coach gave me the opportunity. I was absolutely delighted, even though it came as a bit of a surprise.
– Can you share your thoughts on Shakhtar's summer signings and how the newcomers are settling in?
– They’re good signings. We've already seen their quality on the ball. I think they'll help the team. Overall, the new players are settling in really well because we're helping them adapt.
– Italy's Andrea Maldera was recently appointed head coach of the Ukraine national team. Have you noticed any similarities between his approach and Arda Turan's?
– Yes! It's all about playing with the ball, controlling it and winning it back quickly after losing it so that you always have possession. There are actually a lot of similarities.
– How do you deal with pre-match nerves and what advice would you give to children who dream of becoming professional footballers?
– The nerves went away over time as I started playing more regularly at the top level. My coach also helped me with that. You have to be ready for anything and keep working, even if people laugh at you. Above all, you need to believe in yourself and think about your own future.
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