Valeriy Goshkoderya: ‘Somebody has made Metalist lose heart’

12-03-10 13:43:51

Football fans are eager to witness Sunday’s clash at Donbas Arena on 14 March. Conventionally, we give a chance for Shakhtar veterans to comment on the upcoming fixture.

Valeriy Goshkoderya, Shakhtar midfielder, defender from 1981 to 1990 (with the breaks):

—I am looking forward to a 2-0 win for Shakhtar’s side. Frankly speaking, I have not been impressed by Metalist much for long. The team has lost its style.

—What is the reason for such changes?
—It is hard to say. I think there are several reasons. For instance, Miron Markevych should not have sold Gancarczyk, he was one of the leaders. Many players cannot play well at Metalist now. Metalist used to have their spirits, and now it seems somebody has made them lose heart.  Shakhtar is also tough to gain the points in the current championship. But if we take the last game against Metalurh, they acted confidently, right and accurate, they made the game despite the narrow advantage. That is why I consider Shakhtar to be a leader in the upcoming encounter.

Sergiy Atelkin, Shakhtar forward from 1990 to 2002 (with the breaks):

—I must confess there are certain worries about the scoreline, actually, as ever. Shakahtr is taking on a difficult rival. Metalist is stepping up its gear…

—Whose desire to win on Sunday will be stronger?
—I suppose, both teams will have enough motivation to show their best. Being adrift is always hard. From this point of view both teams are on an equal footing: Shakhtar will have to get close to Dynamo, and Metalist should catch up with them both.

—Which Metalist’s line is the strongest one: back, midfield or front?
—I would say some certain line dominates. Metalist is level team. There are no any bright leaders. If we compared Metalist to Shakhtar line by line, I would rather say all Shakhtar’s lines are stronger. You know… the midfield line is considered the best in Europe, as for me.

Sergiy Pogodin, Shakhtar midfielder from 1990 to 1995 (with the breaks):

—I have got some confidence that Shakhtar will gain a win. Metalist does not look well now: they lost away game against Karpaty, though, they managed to get a rather ‘nervous’ win over Zakarpatty home. However, I cannot say Shakhtar is in its optimal form now.

— Are there any weaknesses at Markevych’s side?
—First of all, Metalist has certain problems in defense. In the last two matches Kharkiv’s defenders acted hesitatingly clinched conceded goals. It is my private opinion, though.

— Shakhtar also had a narrow advantage, failing to score more than one goal during their last games. Will the situation change on Sunday?
—  I am sure. I think Shakhtar might contribute at least two goals for their side. I bet on Shakhtar’s  2-0 or 2-1 victory.

FC Shakhtar
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