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

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!