Ivan Petriak: I want to thank Shakhtar for the opportunity to return home

Added at:
another languages: uk ru

Shakhtar newcomer Ivan Petriak told about return to the UPL, adaptation and impressions of the game against Metalist 1925.

– The UPL is back after a long break, you returned to Ukraine after trip to Europe. Share your impressions of the opening match for Shakhtar.
– I am very excited. I want to thank Shakhtar for the opportunity to return home. Emotions were running high, it was mentally hard, but I coped with it. Of course, 0-0 draw in the first match is not a good result, but game was tough. Opponent had 10 players behind the ball line, it was hard to unlock their defence. We will continue to work, get familiar with new partners, and everything will be alright.

– Why did you decide to return to Ukraine?
– This is a high-principled position. I didn’t think too long when FC Shakhtar has reached me. I agreed at once. Then everything was settled within 1-2 weeks and here I am.

– You didn't have many training sessions with the team prior to the game against Metalist 1925. Did you feel comfortable in the field, did you have understanding?
– There are a lot of new faces now and it was difficult for me. I spent only two training sessions with the team and maybe I did not understand someone or someone did not understand me. But this is a normal thing. We have to work on it and we will have better chemistry before the next game. I hope that the result will be better as well.

– Were you able to understand and implement Igor Jovicevic’s instructions and way of playing?
– Only two or three days have passed since I joined the team. The coach held an individual theoretical session for me and other newcomers. I listened, but everything shall be demonstrated on the pitch. Theory and playing against a real opponent are two different things. I like his style and I will understand his requirement better in the next match.

– You had some chances to score. Were you on the attacking end situationally or was it the coach’s instructions?
– Instructions. Wingers, midfielders, forwards, we all must score, this is our work. I wanted to score, but failed.

– What can you say to Ukrainians?
– It is a very emotional moment, I might cry now. I have returned home only three days ago and, to be honest, I am very proud of our country. I even shed a few tears crossing the border. It was very difficult. At first, I looked into the sky searching for planes, although, there were none of them in Uzhgorod. I want to wish our compatriots victory. Everyone waits for it. Football and other kinds of sports are nothing in comparison with our victory eagerly awaited by all Ukrainians. I also want to congratulate people on the Independence Day of Ukraine. Good luck! I am sure we will take this trash out from our country!

another languages: uk ru

Sport News RSS - Sport News - Terrikon

01 April

00:11
Lazio Let Slip Victory Against Torino in Serie A Clash

31 March

23:19
Manchester City Provide Haaland Injury Update After Bournemouth Scare
21:12
Reports: AC Milan to Part Ways with Sérgio Conceição at End of Season
20:51
Neuer Back in Training but Still Sidelined for Bayern Munich
20:33
Sacchi: Napoli Are Giving Everything to Chase Their Dream
20:10
Isco Urges Betis to Keep Antony for Another Season
16:32
Lunin Retains Starting Spot as Courtois' Return Delayed
13:57
Santos President Criticises Team After Disappointing Start to Brazilian Serie A
11:44
Novak Djokovic Falls Short in Miami Open Final Against Jakub Mensik
11:26
Official: Joël Löw Appointed as RB Leipzig Head Coach
00:23
Brazilian Clash of Champions Ends in Goalless Draw
00:10
Napoli Defeat AC Milan to Stay in Title Chase with Inter

30 March

22:17
Osasuna Halt Athletic Club's Charge Toward European Places
22:06
Inter Milan Edge Closer to Scudetto with Hard-Fought Win Over Udinese
20:44
Manchester City Overcome Bournemouth to Reach Seventh Consecutive FA Cup Semifinal
19:59
Lewandowski Runs Rampant as Barcelona Crush Girona in Catalan Derby
18:51
Moise Kean's Strike Halts Atalanta's Charge
18:16
Brazilian Serie A: Fluminense Sack Mano Menezes After Just One Game
18:03
Rashford's Brace Powers Aston Villa to FA Cup Semifinals
15:15
RB Leipzig Part Ways With Marco Rose After Disappointing Season
14:54
Bayern Munich's Hiroki Ito Suffers Recurring Metatarsal Fracture
11:38
Brazilian Drama: Internacional Keeper Subbed Off Due to Wedding Ring Injury in 1–1 Draw
09:22
Real Madrid Stage Comeback to Defeat Leganés
08:58
Monaco Delay PSG's Title Party With Win Over Nice
02:08
São Paulo Held to Frustrating Goalless Draw in Brasileirão Opener