We believe in victory!
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
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Shakhtar forward Kaua Elias took part in the press conference ahead of the UEFA Conference League return leg against Crystal Palace
– We understand how important this game is, and we have been really looking forward to it. First of all, we believe in victory not only in tomorrow’s match but in the semi-final as a whole. We know how strong our opponents are and how difficult it will be to play against them. But the most important thing is that we believe in all the options we have, we believe in our head coach and in our chances to achieve this comeback and play a great match in line with our style of football.
– Shakhtar were defeated by the English side in the first leg. What conclusions were drawn after that match, especially as you definitely analysed it in detail with Arda Turan and the coaching staff?
– First of all, I was very surprised in a positive way because these are the types of games we are not yet fully accustomed to. Of course, there is no need to remind anyone that our opponents play in the Premier League – the strongest league in the world. As for our preparation, we try to improve our individual and team actions, study the opponents’ style of play and analyse their strengths and weaknesses. We will also try, so to speak, to neutralise their advantages in some way and come out as winners.
– How would you assess this stage of your career overall? Have you ever thought about a transfer to another club?
– First of all, I only dream of finishing this season well. That means we still believe we can reach the Conference League final, and we are also very close to achieving our goal of winning the UPL. Things related to my potential transfer to another club, I will keep, so to speak, under wraps. Right now I’m fully focused on playing for Shakhtar and want to score as many goals as possible this season and help my teammates score as many as possible. The most important thing for me is not to let anything distract me from football. Arda Turan is an incredible young coach, and despite that, he already has huge experience as a player – it is even hard to explain, and he has already helped us learn many things this season. I hope to learn even more from him.
– Do you believe Shakhtar can beat a Premier League side away from home?
– I believe playing against a Premier League club is always an extremely difficult task. But it is very important to emphasise that it is not an impossible one. Unfortunately, I cannot tell you exactly how we will approach the opponents, but I believe Arda Turan and his coaching staff have already prepared a way to win tomorrow. It is also important to stress that Arda Turan makes us understand how important it is to represent Shakhtar at this level. All of us – the Ukrainians and Brazilians at Shakhtar – have a difficult task, but as I said before, it is not an impossible one. So reaching the final and potentially winning it would be the greatest gift for Ukrainians.
– Crystal Palace player Jaydee Canvot said that playing against you was very difficult. How is it for you to face such strong defenders?
– Playing against such strong opponents is an incredible opportunity to grow as a footballer. I always want to have the chance to face centre-backs of different styles, as it also helps me develop. About Jaydee Canvot, I can say that he is an amazing player and opponent. It was difficult for me to face him in the first leg. It was an incredible experience that I will always remember. Regarding the game, there are many things we need to change compared to the first match. For example, we left too much space for the opponents, which we should not have done. Of course, we will work on all of this, analyse it, learn from our mistakes and come into this match fully prepared.
– Did you speak with your former teammate Kevin? Maybe he gave you any advice?
– Yes, of course, we spoke, but not about this. We talked about everything except the opponents. I have other friends who play in the Premier League who can give me some advice. They gave me, I would say, very good guidance, which we will try to implement. It is no secret that our rivals are a top team, and we need to give our absolute best to achieve our main goal.
– Shakhtar were defeated by the English side in the first leg. What conclusions were drawn after that match, especially as you definitely analysed it in detail with Arda Turan and the coaching staff?
– First of all, I was very surprised in a positive way because these are the types of games we are not yet fully accustomed to. Of course, there is no need to remind anyone that our opponents play in the Premier League – the strongest league in the world. As for our preparation, we try to improve our individual and team actions, study the opponents’ style of play and analyse their strengths and weaknesses. We will also try, so to speak, to neutralise their advantages in some way and come out as winners.
– How would you assess this stage of your career overall? Have you ever thought about a transfer to another club?
– First of all, I only dream of finishing this season well. That means we still believe we can reach the Conference League final, and we are also very close to achieving our goal of winning the UPL. Things related to my potential transfer to another club, I will keep, so to speak, under wraps. Right now I’m fully focused on playing for Shakhtar and want to score as many goals as possible this season and help my teammates score as many as possible. The most important thing for me is not to let anything distract me from football. Arda Turan is an incredible young coach, and despite that, he already has huge experience as a player – it is even hard to explain, and he has already helped us learn many things this season. I hope to learn even more from him.
– Do you believe Shakhtar can beat a Premier League side away from home?
– I believe playing against a Premier League club is always an extremely difficult task. But it is very important to emphasise that it is not an impossible one. Unfortunately, I cannot tell you exactly how we will approach the opponents, but I believe Arda Turan and his coaching staff have already prepared a way to win tomorrow. It is also important to stress that Arda Turan makes us understand how important it is to represent Shakhtar at this level. All of us – the Ukrainians and Brazilians at Shakhtar – have a difficult task, but as I said before, it is not an impossible one. So reaching the final and potentially winning it would be the greatest gift for Ukrainians.
– Crystal Palace player Jaydee Canvot said that playing against you was very difficult. How is it for you to face such strong defenders?
– Playing against such strong opponents is an incredible opportunity to grow as a footballer. I always want to have the chance to face centre-backs of different styles, as it also helps me develop. About Jaydee Canvot, I can say that he is an amazing player and opponent. It was difficult for me to face him in the first leg. It was an incredible experience that I will always remember. Regarding the game, there are many things we need to change compared to the first match. For example, we left too much space for the opponents, which we should not have done. Of course, we will work on all of this, analyse it, learn from our mistakes and come into this match fully prepared.
– Did you speak with your former teammate Kevin? Maybe he gave you any advice?
– Yes, of course, we spoke, but not about this. We talked about everything except the opponents. I have other friends who play in the Premier League who can give me some advice. They gave me, I would say, very good guidance, which we will try to implement. It is no secret that our rivals are a top team, and we need to give our absolute best to achieve our main goal.