Erik Rúa Discusses the Upcoming Champions League Match Against Shakhtar and the Situation in Ukraine
Erik Rúa, the head coach of Brest, shared his thoughts on the upcoming match against Shakhtar Donetsk in the seventh round of the Champions League and discussed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, shedding light on the challenges both teams face in such a difficult context.
According to Rúa, the challenge posed by Shakhtar Donetsk will not be an easy one. Despite not noticing significant problems posed by the team in their previous encounters, he acknowledges that Shakhtar is undoubtedly a strong team, with an excellent midfield and attack. The coach emphasized the talent of key players like Kevin, a highly skilled Brazilian, as well as the numerous Ukrainian internationals in the squad, highlighting the blend of experience and talent that Shakhtar possesses.
«I didn’t notice them creating serious problems, but Shakhtar is undoubtedly a strong team with a fantastic midfield and attack. They have powerful players, like Kevin – a very talented Brazilian, and also many Ukrainians who play for the national team. It’s an interesting mix of experience and talent. However, we also have players with great potential.»
«Shakhtar is a serious opponent, and we are expecting a tough match, just like every Champions League game. Obviously, the match will be fast-paced. Players like Kevin and Zubkov are capable of creating many chances for their team, so we need to give our best effort to counter them.»
The match is expected to be intense, as both teams will aim to secure a victory. While Brest has already secured advancement to the next round, Rúa insists that they still have a strong desire to improve their standing in the competition. The challenge, however, lies in the uncertainty of the outcome, as even a win may not guarantee their place among the top eight teams.
«We are playing for victory in every match, and tomorrow, we will do everything to achieve that. Ahead of us are encounters with teams that regularly compete in the Champions League, and Shakhtar has significant experience at this level. We will strive for a favorable result, despite already securing our place in the next round. But we want more. It’s a tough task because, even if we win, there are no guarantees that we will remain in the top eight.»
Rúa points out that there are teams suffering from fatigue due to a heavy schedule, while others benefit from a lighter one. Brest, however, is prepared for any scenario and is focused on delivering a top-level performance. The coach acknowledges that Shakhtar has played several friendlies with positive results, which will add to the intensity of the match, making it a crucial test for both sides.
«There are teams that are tired from a busy schedule, and there are those who are fresh from fewer matches. We are ready for any scenario and have prepared well for this game since our last match. I know that Shakhtar has played a few friendlies with positive results, and tomorrow’s match will reveal the true state of both teams. We must focus on our game, stick to our plan, and perform at the highest level to achieve the desired result.»
With high ambitions for the season, Brest aims to secure direct qualification to the knockout stage of the Champions League, thus avoiding two additional matches in February. This would be a significant achievement, but Rúa is well aware that many factors are beyond his control. Still, he remains determined to influence what he can, particularly in terms of execution on the field.
«We have big ambitions and want to continue performing at this level. If we can secure a direct spot in the round of 16 and avoid two games in February, that would be a great accomplishment. Of course, we can’t control everything, but we try to influence what we can, especially in terms of performance. If we can achieve a positive result, it will be fantastic.»
Finally, Rúa addresses the difficult situation in Ukraine, acknowledging the challenges that Shakhtar Donetsk has faced for the past few years, playing their home matches abroad due to the ongoing conflict. Despite these circumstances, Rúa emphasizes the respect and admiration the Brest team has for Shakhtar’s perseverance, maintaining that their attention must remain focused on the sporting side of things.
«We are fully aware of the incredibly tough situation in Ukraine, and we’ve discussed this with our players. Shakhtar has been forced to play away from home for several years due to the extremely difficult circumstances. We should admire what they have achieved in such conditions, and our focus must remain on the sports side of things.»
It’s hard to find the right words to describe the ongoing situation in Ukraine, but one thing is clear: both players and coaches respect Shakhtar greatly. The upcoming match promises to be an exciting one, and Rúa guarantees that the fans will be treated to an exhilarating game.
The game can be viewed today, January 22. A video broadcast of the Shakhtar vs. Brest match will be available. XSPORT will also provide a live text broadcast of the game. Kick-off is at 19:45.