Sudakov: First of all, you need to build on your game and act a little more aggressively with the ball

Midfielder Shakhtar Georgy Sudakov commented on the upcoming match against Atalanta in the second round Champions League.

“We understand that Atalanta is a very strong opponent. The team won the Europa League and today is one of the strongest in Europe with a very specific style of play – playing one-on-one all over the field, demonstrating aggression, energy and clear tactical organization. However, we also understand that to be successful, you need to bring your best game. This applies to both tactical formation and physical training. First of all, we must demonstrate our individual qualities, since each single combat will be decisive. Against such an opponent you need to give one hundred percent, both with and without the ball, to win the entire fight. This is what our game will be built on.”

“Bologna and Atalanta are somewhat similar. Probably, first of all, you need to build on your game and act a little more aggressively with the ball. We tried to play our football against Bologna, some things worked, some things didn’t. This is not to say that this was our best game. The expectations from us are higher, of course, and we also expect more from ourselves. I hope that in the match with Atalanta we will be able to prove ourselves and demonstrate our level.”

“Of course, we understand that the fans expect better results from us, but I can’t say that we are playing poorly. Now, perhaps, it’s just such a period – a little unlucky. However, we work hard, and I believe that it is through hard work that this success can come. I hope that in the near future we will be able to please our fans.”

“Thank you for accepting us at all and providing us with the opportunity to play matches in Gelsenkirchen. Last year we played in Hamburg, there was an incredible atmosphere, and we understand that there are a lot of immigrants and Ukrainian support in Germany. Of course, it is impossible to compare this with the games at the Donbass Arena, especially since I didn’t play there, and in general it is impossible to compare it with the atmosphere in Ukraine. However, from what we have at the moment, we have incredible conditions that could be provided, and I can only thank Schalke, the city and the stadium for the opportunity to play here.”

The match of the second round of the Champions League between Miners and Bergamasque is scheduled for Wednesday, October 2. The meeting starts at 19:45 Kyiv time. The match will be judged by a team of referees led by Portuguese João Pinheiro.

Yesterday, Shakhtar announced its application for the match with Atalanta. The coaching staff took 27 players to the match in Germany. Forward Daniil Sikan, who continues to recover from an injury, was not included in Gornyakov’s lineup.

Nominally, the “home” match for the Miners will take place in Gelsenkirchen. Marino Pusic’s team will host their opponents at the Veltins Arena this season.

Let us remind you that in the first round, Marino Pusic’s team lost with Bologna (0:0), and Atalanta achieved a similar result in the home match with Arsenal.