Mentor Gornyakov spoke about adaptation in the team under conditions of frequent long-term moves
Head coach Shakhtar Marino Pusic spoke about the team’s motivation before the match with Antwerp in the 5th round Champions League 2023/24. The coach also shared his impressions of his adaptation.
“It’s definitely part of the motivation and the extra push when you’re playing for your country, trying to give the energy to the people there to play in a way that makes them proud. But the basic motivation is to perform as a professional for his teammates and for the club. At the same time, you represent your country in Europe, and now it is very important that people are proud of Shakhtar and that we remain in European competitions longer.”
“It is clear that the situation is completely different from anything that each of us is used to seeing in our countries and requires adaptation, social skills, as well as the desire to work very hard every day for the team to improve. The club employees help me a lot, I am grateful for that. As I said last time, I see a good organization, people trying to do the best they can under these circumstances, which is not so easy.”
“As you know, my team drove here for about 10 hours on Sunday. Such a schedule takes a lot of effort, and especially such travel. At the same time, we have the mental strength to take on this challenge and do the best we can. Therefore, this is not a common situation, but it is what it is. Everyone at the club, including myself as a coach, is trying to make every effort to find the best way out of the situation and compete with other teams.”
“With Mark van Bommel, Antwerp achieved a remarkable result, becoming champions last year and winning trophies. It’s not easy to do, it’s a great achievement. Respect to him, his team and the Antwerp club. They are strong competitors. I know the start of this season hasn’t gone well for them, but sometimes it’s just bad luck that can happen. I think he is a very good coach and he has already shown it. His team is not easy to beat.”
The Shakhtar – Antwerp match will take place on Tuesday, November 28. The meeting starts at 19:45. Let us remind you that in the 2nd round match the Miners beat the Belgian team away – 3:2.
Shakhtar are third in Group H of the Champions League with 6 points. Antwerp is at the bottom of the standings with no points.
Source: Sportarena
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