Valerii Bondar: We need to rebuild Shakhtar once again

Shakhtar defender Valerii Bondar shared his expectations from the match against Ajax.

– The team is waiting for the second match at this training camp, what mood do you have before the game with Ajax?
– We have very positive mood, because we will play against the team at the level of the Champions League wining Dutch championship almost every year. Definitely, it will be very hard and challenging, and we are getting ready.

– What was your preparation like for the game against Ajax, what was emphasized during the training?
– It is necessary to organize interrelations on the field, because the new team with a lot of young footballers is built. We need to rebuild Shakhtar once again to represent our country in the Champions League and play in the UPL. The main accent is on tactics, but also there were exercises repeating situations from the game.

– Have you already studied the opponent theoretically?
– Yes, we had a theoretical practice, we watched our opponent. Needless to say, it is a top team. Of course, there are a lot of young footballers as well, but they successfully play in the Champions League every year. Again, this game will be challenging, so this going to be an excellent sparring match.

– What are strong qualities of Ajax, what should be kept in mind at the first place to play a great game?
– Ajax always had good full-back and forward lines. The whole world is watching their players, because they are young and talented. Every line includes two or three footballers of a decent level. With this team actions shall be precise, especially defensively.

– Ajax will become the first serious opponent at the training camp, are you nervous? – Of course, we will represent our country, play for our people, who are now in Ukraine. We will do our best to make our fans and everyone, who is now in Ukraine, happy. We are very glad that the stadium will be full. Such match with Ajax will be unusual for the training camp, but it will help us to be more prepared for the season.

– Will results of the match against Ajax matter?
– Absolutely, result of every match matters, but now quality of the game is no less important, as well as establishment of connection in all lines: forward and full-back. We have to work a lot in this direction, we want to transfer everything we are practicing during training to the field.

– What advantages give matches at the training camp with high-level opponents?
– It is not every year you can play against such clubs. You can demonstrate you skills, show level of our team in contrast to the constant member of the Champions League.

– How do you feel, how does the training process go in general?
– Everyone feels well. We attending training in a good mood and coaches know the correct way to prepare us for the games. I am sure we are on the way to our optimal condition.