Miron Markevych Predicts Shakhtar's Victory Against AZ

Miron Markevych, a prominent figure in Ukrainian football coaching, has expressed his thoughts regarding the highly anticipated match between FC Shakhtar Donetsk and Dutch club AZ Alkmaar. This encounter is part of the quarter-finals of the UEFA Conference League and is scheduled to take place on April 9, 2023. Markevych is optimistic about Shakhtar's prospects, believing they have a strong chance to secure a victory in the first leg at the Henryk Reyman Stadium in Krakow, Poland.

"I would like to see aggressive football from the Ukrainian team. The opponent is strong, so they should not be given any room to breathe. It is essential to move the ball quickly and act unconventionally near the opponent's goal, which, in principle, Shakhtar knows how to do," Markevych stated, emphasizing the need for a proactive approach.

The coach highlighted the significance of an active game, considering this match as a home game for Shakhtar. He remarked, "Here, it is necessary to try to score more than one goal. At the same time, we must not forget about defense, as AZ is effective on counterattacks." This underscores the importance of maintaining a balance between offense and defense during the match.

Markevych also shared his perspective on the team compositions, stating, "I believe that on paper, the Ukrainian team looks stronger. However, how this will affect the team play is a question. Nevertheless, I am confident that Shakhtar has a good chance to overcome this opponent." His optimism regarding the team's capabilities is bolstered by the experience and potential of the players involved.

When asked for a prediction regarding the match, Markevych confidently asserted, "I am almost certain that Shakhtar will win the first game. It won't be a crushing victory, but the 'miners' will score at least one more goal than their opponents. The score? 2:1," he shared in an interview with Meta.ua.

The match between Shakhtar and AZ Alkmaar is set to kick off on Thursday, April 9, at 22:00 Kyiv time. This fixture promises to be exciting, as both teams possess their unique strengths and are eager to achieve success in European competitions.

It is worth noting that earlier reports indicated that a Brazilian player from Shakhtar is ready to play for the Ukrainian national team, reflecting a growing interest in the team and its players. Football in Ukraine continues to evolve, and each match represents an important step towards new achievements.