The head coach of the Miner Paulo Fonseca told about the team's work at the training camps and assured that the club counts on defender Nikolai Matvienko and midfielder Dmitry Grechishkin.

The miner has already left the vacation and started the first gathering. Paulo Fonseca is quite satisfied with the physical condition of the players.

"I should note that the guys followed themselves during the holidays and returned in good form. I've been in Shakhtar for a year and a half now, football players are familiar with my requirements and principles, so now it's much easier for them. With the exception of Dodo, who only joined us, the players know me very well. All perfectly manifest themselves in intensive training, which we offered them at the start of the gathering, - the Portuguese told the official website of the Miner.

"As I said, this composition with me a year and a half, we achieved a lot. The foundation is built and fully understood by the guys. Now we pay attention to remind our ideas and work out the principles of the game. Of course, very important and physical condition - it is important to go to the first match in good condition. I'll say it sincerely: it's much easier when you worked with football players for a certain period. They know perfectly well what the coaching staff is waiting on the field, because everything is wonderful ".

Together with Shakhtar, Dmitry Grechishkin and Nikolai Matvienko went to the training camps, who in the first part of the season acted on loan for Zarya and Vorskla respectively.

"These are two Ukrainian players, which we followed all the time. They proved that they can perfectly show themselves and help us. The Matviyenko question was important, as the team left Azevedo. Nikolay did a good job this season and went out in the starting lineup for the national team. Grechishkin also has very good qualities, and in the offseason I learn them more and more. We trust both players ".

At the meetings Shakhtar will play with AIC, Prague Slavia and Copenhagen.

"In this period it is difficult to find quality opponents - we had such an experience last year. Thank God, now we managed to find really strong teams. If I only came to the club, I might have chosen others, but I've been here for a year and a half, and the guys know perfectly well what I want from them. I'm interested in control matches with good opponents. They will create great difficulties for us, and for us this is excellent ".

After the break, Shakhtar expects a fight with Roma in the 1/8 finals of the Champions League, but before that, "miners" will play in the championship of Ukraine with Chernomorets.

"The team of the highest level with excellent composition. Qualitative players and a coach who knows his work well. Fierce fights are to be held with Roma, but before that we still have a meeting with Chernomorets, and we are preparing for it first of all. Let me remind you that for us the main priority is the championship of Ukraine. Already after the match with the inhabitants of Odessa will be time to think about the Champions League ".

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