Shakhtar fully deserved this title
Sunday, May 10, 2026
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Shakhtar defender spoke about the win over Poltava and shared his impressions of winning the title in an interview with UPL.TV
– Congratulations! Now you are the reigning champions, you can feel at ease. What are your emotions after everything that has happened?
– The emotions are positive, we are very happy and have brought the trophy back to Donetsk – home. It was a very difficult season, we understood that we had to win the title this year as it was a very important step for us Of course, there were dreams as well, but we will leave them for next year. If we talk about the season, it was, of course, a tough one. I would like to congratulate the whole team, the entire coaching staff, the president, absolutely everyone at Shakhtar and everyone gathered here on the title because everyone works for this victory.
– If we are talking specifically about the league and the path to the title, which match or moment was the most important for you or for the team?
– Probably the victories over Dynamo because they are always special and give even more strength and motivation. We were going through a difficult period at that time, but the 3-1 win here gave us a real boost. Every match is important for us and we understand who we are playing for and what Shakhtar represents as a club. We have to give 200 per cent in order to achieve results every year.
– Without victories in the Clasico, Shakhtar were once called illegitimate champions. Are you legitimate this year?
– Thank God, legitimate. We beat Polissia and they are in second spot. As Lucescu used to say, when they beat Dynamo 3-0 twice, that they were not real champions. I believe Shakhtar fully deserved this title and I’m very happy as a lot of effort was put into this season.
– You spoke about Shakhtar’s dreams and perhaps they were not fully achieved this season as the aim was to reach the Conference League final and win it. What are Shakhtar’s dreams for next season?
– I hope we will qualify for the Champions League, prepare very well and represent the country with dignity because this is very important for us.
– With what mindset will you finish the league now that you are already champions?
– I think the lads who have had less playing time will get more minutes. I’m sure everyone will give 200 per cent because they know which club they represent. For us, it is important to approach every match and win, and in general, the season has shown that.
– The emotions are positive, we are very happy and have brought the trophy back to Donetsk – home. It was a very difficult season, we understood that we had to win the title this year as it was a very important step for us Of course, there were dreams as well, but we will leave them for next year. If we talk about the season, it was, of course, a tough one. I would like to congratulate the whole team, the entire coaching staff, the president, absolutely everyone at Shakhtar and everyone gathered here on the title because everyone works for this victory.
– If we are talking specifically about the league and the path to the title, which match or moment was the most important for you or for the team?
– Probably the victories over Dynamo because they are always special and give even more strength and motivation. We were going through a difficult period at that time, but the 3-1 win here gave us a real boost. Every match is important for us and we understand who we are playing for and what Shakhtar represents as a club. We have to give 200 per cent in order to achieve results every year.
– Without victories in the Clasico, Shakhtar were once called illegitimate champions. Are you legitimate this year?
– Thank God, legitimate. We beat Polissia and they are in second spot. As Lucescu used to say, when they beat Dynamo 3-0 twice, that they were not real champions. I believe Shakhtar fully deserved this title and I’m very happy as a lot of effort was put into this season.
– You spoke about Shakhtar’s dreams and perhaps they were not fully achieved this season as the aim was to reach the Conference League final and win it. What are Shakhtar’s dreams for next season?
– I hope we will qualify for the Champions League, prepare very well and represent the country with dignity because this is very important for us.
– With what mindset will you finish the league now that you are already champions?
– I think the lads who have had less playing time will get more minutes. I’m sure everyone will give 200 per cent because they know which club they represent. For us, it is important to approach every match and win, and in general, the season has shown that.