Yuriy VIRT: “Marseille is not the worst option for Shakhtar”

Today, Shakhtar’s opponent in the Europa League 1/8 final has been announced. It became the “Marseille” of the French.

Former goalkeeper of Ukraine and Shakhtar national team in a conversation with Sport.ua correspondent Yuri Virt He said the following about the draw results in Switzerland:

– This isn’t the best option, but it’s not the worst either. Marseille is currently on the move, but if Shakhtar maintains its leadership, has a quality preparation period and works efficiently in the transfer market, it has a very high chance of overtaking the French club.

– Why is Marseille dangerous?

– Due to the jump on the bridge at the beginning of the season, the performance of the “citizens” resembled swinging on a swing. The new leader, Italian Gattuso, managed to stabilize the squad and transferred to his players the stubbornness he showed even when he entered the field. There are a few leaders in particular, striker Aubameyang is starting to get more demand on himself and is starting to score goals again. It is also necessary to highlight the noisy local fans who do not allow their team to rest even for a moment. I had the opportunity to confirm this when I was part of the Shakhtar delegation that organized the UEFA Cup quarter-final match in Marseille in the 2008-2009 season. Then we won twice – 2:0 and 2:1 and moved on, but I remember it was very difficult.

– This was exactly the season when Shakhtar achieved their greatest success on the international stage, winning the UEFA Cup by defeating German Werder in the final.

– Maybe history will repeat itself? I really want Shakhtar to beat Marseille again and aim for the title of the strongest team in the Europa League.