The Croatian said he was pleased to hear praise from Blaugrana coach Xavi
Sports director Shakhtar Darijo Srna commented on the upcoming match with Barcelona in the third round of group H Champions League.
“It’s very nice when such a player, coach, person like Xavi gives such compliments to Shakhtar. I think he knows our team very well, because he had to suffer with Shakhtar more than once. Our players came here to show what we can do. And we know how to play beautiful football. And tomorrow we will try to play our football from the first to the last minute. Of course, we will run and close the zones of Barcelona, which is a very strong team and the favorite for tomorrow’s match. But I want our players to have fun in front of a packed stadium. And through such games they can become even stronger and better.”
“Yes, Barcelona are missing several players who are very strong. But Barcelona is always Barcelona. And Shakhtar also lacks three or four injured players. We have studied Barcelona and will do everything to take advantage of their weaknesses and cover their strengths. This is football, this is Barcelona. But I am sure that our players should go out onto the field tomorrow charged and relaxed and play our football.”
“We have had a very difficult period in recent months where we have not played the good football that we need. Therefore, a change of coach should itself lead to a certain reaction. I demand from my players to play real “miner’s” football and have fun. In particular, tomorrow – from the match with Barcelona.”
“It was very difficult at the beginning because we lost 14 players. Then everyone got together, did not give up and began to build a new young Shakhtar. And we are on the right path to making Shakhtar one of the strongest in the history of the club and Ukrainian football. Therefore, these guys who will play tomorrow, the same Sudakov, young but already gained a lot of experience in the Champions League, withstood enormous pressure, and together with Bondar, Stepanenko and others must lead the team forward. They did it last year and will only get stronger in the future. And we must do everything to strengthen our team in the winter. And, I repeat, we are on the right path to making the strongest Shakhtar.”
Earlier, Barcelona head coach Xavi said that Shakhtar could create problems for the hosts. Blaugran’s coach also spoke about the large number of injured players in his team.
The Blue Garnets’ match against the Ukrainian champion will take place at the Olympic Stadium in Barcelona on Wednesday, October 25. The meeting starts at 19:45 Kyiv time. The match will be judged by the Slovak team of referees led by Ivan Kruzljak.
Shakhtar is in third place in Group H with three points. Barcelona leads the quartet with two wins in two matches.
Source: Sportarena
I’m Todderic Kirkman, a journalist and author for athletistic. I specialize in covering all news related to sports, ranging from basketball to football and everything in between. With over 10 years of experience in the industry, I have become an invaluable asset to my team. My ambition is to bring the most up-to-date information on sports topics around the world.
