Oleksandr Kucher: One goal can make all the difference in match with Dnipro

09-04-15 14:48:50

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The Pitmen’s defender has reflected on the Ukrainian semi-final draw.

- Today we had two options: either Olimpik or Dnipro. We will play with the second team – Dnipro. It will be more interesting to fans.

- By the end of the season, Shakhtar will have played three matches with Dnipro...
- What can we do? These are regulations – we will abide by it. Perhaps it was necessary to hold the championship in a different format to have more matches between strong teams. And it would be interesting than what we have now. Indeed, it is not because everything is fine. But it is hard to motivate players when facing second- or third-choice teams... Especially since the Cup ties consist of two matches, when the overall outcome is clear after the first leg, and the club fields U-15 or U-17 side for the return leg. Of course, it is not particularly interesting for the fans.

- Do you think Dnipro are the same team in the league and in the Cup?
- It doesn’t have to do with the league or Cup. It's about the format: Cup ties consist of two games, and everything is decided in those fixtures. The league implies a long distance. Therefore, we have to be more concentrated in these games, one goal can make the difference.

- That is, from a player’s point of view, home and away Cup matches is a bad thing, isn’t it?
- Probably, at the semi-final stage, it is worth it. But again, the previous matches that we have played... Maybe the second games in this format were not needed. Because when a team of an unknown age category with the guys who are 15-16 years old are fielded... It is clear they will fight, for them such games are useful. But for the fans... And for the coach to motivate the team ... It is hard. But we have faced that, and we must go through it.

- We will play the first match with Dnipro on the road, immediately after the game with Dynamo. How likely is it for Shakhtar to be tired?
- We should not use fatigue as an excuse. Because teams play one game in four days in all top leagues. We need to prepare and show good football.

- Shakhtar and Dynamo were separated in the semifinals. Was it done deliberately to keep the intrigue?
- It is not known yet who will be in the final. Like I said, everything changes. I do not know, of course, for whom it is changed ... Calendars vary throughout the year many times. For whom and for what is it done?

FC Shakhtar