STEPANENKO: “The coach said a few words during the break. “A man had a speech”

Midfielder and captain of Shakhtar Taras Stepanenko He said the following about the victory against Antwerp (3:2) in the Champions League 2nd round match:

“Last minute penalty? Yes, I was very worried at that moment. I didn’t have time to react – I reflexively raised my head and the ball hit my hands from my head. Before the match, I always prepare every blow with my hands behind my back. Because now there is VAR, everything is obvious. And right now I didn’t have time to react. It was a very strong blow. It is 100% punishment. Thank God, luck turned to us. Because we worked like this in the second half and we deserved the victory.

First time? Now we have such mistakes somewhere. The 5 goals we conceded in the Champions League came after our mistakes. If there are such moments, you should not play so beautifully and reliably. I think this could be a turning point for us. Where we can’t find our game. These types of games provide emotional support.

We talked a little during the break. The coach said a few words. First of all, it’s about their motivation for not playing like this in the Champions League. And about mistakes. The players talked to each other. I needed to say a few words. I think sometimes there should be a man’s conversation in a team. So that you don’t go and be offended by someone, but say it. I think everyone understands. We played as a team in the second half and we liked it.

Is he the coach of the future? There is always some talking when there is no result. This is not a question for me. There is club management, it has to decide. I believe that you should play for your club, your emblem and your team. Show what your coach wants from you. Then the management will decide.

Many coaches changed during my time at Shakhtar. I tell young people: Play for yourself, your family, your team and your country. I have to come off the field and say I did everything I could. What happens next is not your question. You can only be responsible for your actions and deeds. The other one is none of your business.

We do only one thing. It is important to have clues about the field. Sometimes even an “asshole”. If someone does not respond to what we agreed upon, this could result in a goal being conceded. It doesn’t matter: who, what and how. Everything is within reach. Sometimes you have to shout.”