Bernard: Now Shakhtar are watched even more closely

21-12-14 09:00:14

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The Pitmen’s No.10 is now on holiday in Brazil. But he is still following news, especially football ones. Bayern, of course, are on the agenda.

- Bernard, Bayern have recently won the Champions League. Are the Pitmen afraid of such opponents?
- Of course not! Indeed, we respect them, but we don’t fear them in any way. We play to win to advance further! And I'm sure we can do it. Our team are highly qualified and ready for any opponent. Therefore it will be a difficult match for both teams.

- Will the fact the fact of Bayern not having much information about the Donetsk team play into the Pitmen’s hands?
- I do not think it is the case. After all, today you can easily find much information about anybody. The whole world knows how Bayern play. But we played well at the group stage, and it is not surprising that other clubs are paying attention to us. And after reaching the last 16, I'm sure that Shakhtar will be watched even more closely.

- Football analysts often say that for Shakhtar it is easier to play with strong opponents rather than equal or weak ones...
- I do not even know whether it is true. But sometimes it happens that we play a great match, but something doesn’t work out. But I hope we will have a lot of bright moments on the field. Especially in a duel with Bayern.

- By the way, who should be feared more than others in this match-up?
- It’s hard to say. Bayern a great team with strong players in all positions. So I wouldn’t single out anyone. Plus, in addition to talented players, they have great coaching staff.

- Are you happy with the result of the draw or would you like to see another opponent?
- I will say this: the one, who wants to go further in the Champions League, cannot choose opponents. And since our goal is to reach the next round, we must prepare for each game, each opponent. That's what I thought when I found out whom we we’d face. My family said the same to me. It is such games that make a player great. I repeat: we know that it will be a very difficult match, but we have all the necessary qualities to overcome Bayern. We must remember this and believe in it.

FC Shakhtar
Press Office