Sergei Palkin: Bayern are machine to which we want to find the keys

16-12-14 18:53:22

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Shakhtar CEO has admitted to the correspondent of SE that he would prefer Monaco, but does not believe that the Pitmen have no chances against Bayern.

- What can I say? Bayern are one of the few real contenders to win the Champions League, - said Sergei Palkin. - We are fully aware that this is a very strong opponent, but at the same time we understand that you cannot become strong, playing against the weak. I believe that with Bayern you can play football and it’s possible to advance to the quarter-finals. It is clear that our opponent is very strong. On the other hand, our fans will be able to see the team, which is ranked among the top in Europe. These matches do not take place every day, and it is a definite plus that we will face Bayern.

- Given the level of the opponent, the task of reaching the next round looks very complex. Do you agree?
- Our main task is to play each season in the Champions League. And our main goal is to win the tournament. If we do not carry out our tasks, we will never reach the goal. We must have a serious attitude towards the Bayern match-up, work well during the winter training camp and show everything that we can.

- When picking the opponent for Shakhtar, 1990 world champion Karl-Heinz Riedle had two options: either Bayern or Monaco. Would Monaco be a more convenient opponent?
- Of course! If we compare Bayern and Monaco, the German is much stronger. Although, we shouldn’t the abilities of Monaco, for whom serious players perform. So at this stage of the tournament there cannot be weak opponents a priori. But Bayern, again, is the number one contender to win the Champions League.

- Taras Stepanenko said that Mircea Lucescu long ‘predicted’: in the last 16 Shakhtar would play with Bayern. Is it true?
- Yes, it is. Before the draw he told me that, ‘We would get Bayern’. Based on the fact that during the draw UEFA separates teams from the same country, as well as those who have met earlier at the group stage, the chances that we would get the German club were quite high. Another thing is that it could theoretically became Borussia Dortmund.

- The year before, Shakhtar faced Borussia in the last 16 of the Champions League. Back then, Shakhtar also played the first match at home, and the second - on the road. Will you take into account the experience of preparing for that meeting before the Bayern encounter?
- Of course. Despite the fact that we will play with Bayern for the first time, we have the experience of playing against the German clubs. I think it will definitely be taken into account in the preparation for the match-up with Josep Guardiola’s team. Just an hour ago I spoke to Lucescu. He is well acquainted with the German football. He said: ‘We will prepare and get the most in two games’. We will see whether we succeed. Hopefully, everything will be fine! Our task is to put on a good display in the home match, and in Munich - we will try to play to the maximum.

- Last question: what are the three associations that you have when you hear the word ‘Bayern’?
- I have one association. Bayern are German machine. To open it, you need to find the keys, direct players in the right direction. What distinguishes Bayern from other teams? Discipline, discipline and again discipline. In all the lines, strict discipline dominates, and then everything else...

Sport-expres in Ukraine
16.12.2014