Olexandr Kucher: Pitmen have repeatedly proved that no one is indispensable

02-07-13 12:03:18

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In his interview to Ukrainskiy Futbol newspaper, Shakhtar defender talked about the specifics of preparations for the league season and more.

About the training camp in Austria

- I am convinced that all training camps are difficult. First, we paid more attention to fitness trainings, then we played games. It was not easy, but that’s all right, everyone withstood the loads. Nothing at all has changed. We had four friendlies. Normally we do not practise games until we are through with running exercises. We have little time for preparation during the summer break, although we must complete eeverything. And the coaching staff tries to maximally prepare us.

About Bolbat and Hryshyn

- I can’t say that only these guys did well. Mister was pleased with all the young players, he didn’t hide that. Perhaps, simply because of quantitative restrictions, he decided to pick the players you’ve mentioned.

About the United Tournament

- The main thing after all is that matches with good, strong opponents will give us the opportunity to better prepare for the Ukrainian league. You are right to say that Mister prepares Shakhtar through games. This tournament lasts for ten days, and during that time we will have four games against our major rivals. Despite this, we have not given up two trainings a day, in short, we play on the back of loads. The main thing, again, is to approach the official meetings in optimal form. I, as a player, do not store my mind with whether we need the joint league or not. We have the Ukrainian league. So we are getting ready for it. As for the current tournament ... We had such competitions before, during the winter break though. Do you remember the First Channel Cup? So there is nothing surprising in this. This is a similar tournament, held in the summer and in different cities.

About Zenit

- We know them well enough. Zenit are a strong renowned team who appears regularly in the Champions League. It’s always a pleasure to play such rivals. I think these matches will be useful both for us and for them. We also mustn’t forget about Spartak ...

About the fight for a place

- I do not decide these things. If you want an answer to this question, please refer to the head coach. On my part, I would note that competition is always good. It gives both the players and the teams an opportunity to progress. The higher it is, the better. I, of course, know Volovyk as a player of Donetsk-based Metalurh. We did not communicate closely, but we certainly knew each other.

On the personnel changes

- For any team, to lose a few key players in six months is definitely a blow. But Shakhtar is famous for the ability to find a worthy replacement for the lads. In past years, the Pitmen repeatedly proved that no one is indispensable. It would seem that the players, without whom it is impossible to produce the same high level of play, were leaving. But Shakhtar does not fall below a certain level. Therefore, other performers unlocked their potential. I think it will happen this time again. Young guys will come and try to replace those players who have moved to other clubs. Wellington Nem and Fred have already made their debut against Zenit. I would like them to ‘blend in’ with the team as soon as possible. Of course, they need time to fit in Shakhtar’s game. But we're going to help them.

About Wellington and Fred

- If you noticed, they didn’t get lost in the game against Zenit, and showed the football typical of Shakhtar. This is despite the fact that, for example, Fred arrived only the night before, has had only one training session with the team, and Mister has fielded him. The main thing is that understanding with the new teamates was present. We have mostly Brazilians playing offensively, they speak the same football and spoken language. (laughing) They understand each other well.

About the reshuffle of spots

- Every league season is complex in its own way, no matter how great is the lead of the gold-winning team. Considering that Shakhtar have topped it for four consecutive years, also winning other trophies, the attitude towards us will be just awesome. We understand this very well and will get ready for it. We will try to take the field and prove that we are still stronger.

FC Shakhtar
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