Douglas Costa: Shakhtar stronger than Dynamo and Dnipro

18-05-15 21:30:02

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Shakhtar’s midfielder has granted an interview before the second semi-final match of the Ukrainian Cup.

- Douglas, in title-winning game, Dynamo did not significantly exceed Dnipro’s weakened side. Does it say about approximately equally strong top three teams in the standings in terms of their sqiads?
- No. At least, I think so. I think that our team are much stronger than Dnipro and Dynamo based in all respects. But we had a very difficult year: we are not at home, and this is just one of the factors. Still, this is not an excuse for not becoming champions. It is Dynamo’s merit. However, my opinion is the same: Shakhtar are much better than these two teams. 

- Can Dnipro in any combination of players create serious problems for Shakhtar in the two-legged match-up?
- Of course, we have already lost a few time to Dnipro during my spell here. This is a good team. But we know how they play! We will take to the field united and prepared. We know what to do.

- How serious is Shakhtar’s advantage considering the victory in the away first leg game?
- It is an advantage that we should use. We claimed a win in Dnipropetrovsk, and now, no matter what, we just have to win again, this time at Arena Lviv.

- In recent matches Yevhen Seleznov has just been unstoppable. How are you going to neutralize Dnipro’s forward?
- We know him very well! Yes, he often surprises. But the question is not whether we should deal with one particular player and worry about it. We will face a team! And if we take to the pitch focused and careful, we will succeed.

- Myron Markevich said that he will field the same squad versus Shakhtar as that in the final of the Europa League. Will Dnipro play at full strength and will they preserve some energy?
- I do not know Dnipro, but we will definitely play at full strength! Their coach knows better how his team will operate. That's his problem.

We remind you that the match between Shakhtar and Dnipro will take place on May 20 at the Arena Lviv. The game will kick off at 19:30. Tickets for the game can be purchased online on the official site of FC Shakhtar.

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