Shakhtar bounced back 0-2
Midfielder of Shakhtar Taras Stepanenko commented test match against Bulgarian Ludogorets (2:2) at the training camp in Turkey.
“A very good game, because we faced a strong opponent – a team that always plays in European competitions. It was clear that they were ready quite well: in the first half they acted aggressively, and somewhere our young guys could not cope with this pressure. But these are training meetings, and we need the youth to grow up and show a good game. So I think it was a very good match.”
“The important thing in these matches is what we work on every day, what the head coach and his assistants tell us. Little by little we are working on plans. And, of course, the result is important, because it gives confidence and shows that we are moving in the right direction.”
“Well, now we played in half – who is more, who is less. Then it will be vice versa. I think we are ready for 50-60 minutes, but we should add in intensity and get in shape for key matches.”
Earlier in Turkey, the team of Igor Jovićević lost in sparring to Austria (1:2) and tied with the Slovenian Koper (2:2). The Pitmen will play their next test match on February 1 against Maribor.
Following the results of the group stage of the Champions League, Shakhtar finished third in the quartet and advanced to the playoffs of the Europa League. In February, the Pitmen will play with Rennes in the 1/16 finals of the LE.
Jovičević’s team also ranks second in the UPL standings, 5 points behind Dnipro-1. In the first match of the second round, Shakhtar will play against Metalist 1925.
Source: Sportarena
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