Jovićević: I am very glad that we have already received the status of a member of the European Cups for the spring

Shakhtar head coach Igor Jovichevich commented on the draw with Celtic in the 5th round of the Champions League group stage (1:1). According to the Pitmen’s mentor, he considers his wards to be heroes.

“All liked it. When the result is right, when a draw tastes like a victory, then these are very positive emotions for me personally as a coach and for the whole team. We really expected a tough game and all European teams know that playing here at Celtic Park in front of 57,000 people is not easy for more experienced teams. But we are so brave, so brave, that we think not so much about the consequences, but about our performances, about our game. When the team shows that during the match they can change the pace and rhythm, become a protagonist, endure, counterattack and show character at the same time.

“The character shown by the Ukrainian people, who are fighting for our freedom, for all of us. Including for athletes, those who play and represent Ukraine on the biggest stage – the Champions League. This result is very important for us. We see it as a great success. Because three months ago no one believed in us, but we did. We believed in daily work. And this is just a consequence of the family atmosphere that we have created. These guys are heroes, really heroes.”

“Of course, Daniil is upset that he didn’t score that goal in a good moment, but he is part of the team, and the team scores together and plays together. It is an integral part of football and we perceive it as football. Real Madrid scored us in the last seconds – and that’s football. We must support him. By supporting him, we support ourselves and the team. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. And we are a family. Actually a family. And all the guys have already approached him, all the coaches, to raise their heads. Because few people walk out of Celtic Park as proudly as we do today.”

“We know that there were no leading players playing at Real Madrid – Modric, Benzema, Valverde. Leipzig went through a change of coach: Marco Rose changed both the formation and the style of play. We have to understand that this is now a team that fits the second budget in the Bundesliga after Bayern, I think. So they are at a fairly high level and are definitely the favorites in our confrontation. But I want to say that we also gained momentum, we feel very good, we show it in every match and at least we can successfully resist the opponent.”

“We have the opportunity to win. How it will turn out, I don’t know. But there will be a fight. I am very glad that we have already received the status of a European Cup participant for the spring. This is a big success. But each of us has a dream that no one can take away – to overcome the group and go further and further. The opponent knows how we play tactically, but does not know what is in our souls and hearts. And who we play for is very important. This is our strength.”

Following the results of five rounds in group F, Shakhtar scored 6 points (third place), Celtic are in fourth position. Leipzig (9 points) and Real Madrid (10 points) are ahead of the Pitmen. At the same time, the team of Igor Jovicevich definitely guaranteed a European Cup spring.

In the sixth round of the Champions League, Shakhtar will play against Leipzig, while Celtic will play against Real Madrid. To reach the playoffs of the Champions League, the Pitmen will only be satisfied with a victory.