The Pitmen's mentor commented on the pairing of the Tel Aviv club in the 1/16 finals of the Europa League.

Shakhtar Donetsk head coach Luis Castro commented on the results of the Europa League round of 32 draw.

" At the moment in their championship they are in fifth place, four points from the leading team. I never consider opponents by position in the standings - these are statistics. The only thing that's right:

there are two matches ahead, which we know will be very difficult. Everything after the winter break.

We will have off-season training camps to prepare for the second part of the championship and the Europa League, get in very good shape and come back ready for such matches. Maccabi is a difficult team, but I think that we will also be difficult for them, "

Earlier, Shakhtar Donetsk CEO Sergei Palkin shared his emotions from the draw for the 1/16 finals of the Europa League.