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Taras Stepanenko: I want to bring celebration to people

27-08-10 18:54:00

Before the game with Illichivets, Shakhtar players talked to the reporter of the club's press office.

Tomas Hubschman:

- What do you think; Illichivets being on its current form can somehow surprise Shakhtar?
- Probably not. There have not been almost any changes in the squad, and the coach has remained the same. I think, in terms of playing style it has not changed compared to last season. They play well here in Donetsk. It has been difficult for us to beat them last time, but there are not easy games in the championship now. The sooner we can score the easier it will be.

- Have you watched some of their matches?
- Yes, I have, a few games, but not from the first minute. From what I have seen, I can say that they are a decent and well-organized team.

- Kostya Kravchenko moved to Illichivets. In your opinion, will the name of the opponent be an additional incentive for him in this match?
- Of course! Whenever a player plays against his team, which he moved from, he wants to prove his level and that he deserves to fight for a place in the squad. I think his approach to this game will be great. We must remember that Kostya is a very good football player, we should not provide him with much space, his long-range efforts and set-pieces are very dangerous.

Taras Stepanenko:

- The match will be held on the Miner's Day. Does it add more desire to win on such occasion?
- Of course, I would like to bring celebration to people, and just to show a good game. We need people to come to the stadium and get maximum pleasure from what they will see on the pitch.

- Is there anything special in the Illichevets play from what you have seen?
- Illichivets is quite an uncompromising team. By the way, I have noticed that they draw 2:2 very often these days. Unpredictable team - they can win, lose, fall, rise...

- This will be your first Champions League. What would you say about the opposition?
- Not particularly followed these teams, everybody has to start from the scratch and try to qualify. All four clubs are strong, and each one will play only for victory. Braga, for example, scored 4 goals at Sevilla and we played Partizan last year ... Arsenal does not need any introduction. The fight will be very serious.